Treatment Plans for Depression

Depression is a psychological disorder that plagues its victims with harsh symptoms. Common indicators of depression are insomnia, oversleeping, hopeless and helpless feelings, an inability to concentrate, uncontrollable negative thoughts, irritability and suicidal thoughts. If you are depressed, seeking immediate treatment is highly advised. Your physician can help you to determine which treatment plan is ideal for you.

Psychotherapy

• If you are depressed, psychotherapy can help you in a variation of ways. By teaching you the necessary skills to fight your depression, psychotherapy can stop your symptoms from returning. The three most common types of psychotherapy used to combat depression are cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy.

  Through cognitive behavioral therapy you learn to adjust the thoughts triggering the feelings and behaviors resulting from your depression. In changing how you think, you can change how you react to the situation. Your therapist will act as your support system. In determining your goals, she can help you to achieve them.

  Depression tends to wreak havoc on the victim and those close to her. Interpersonal therapy addresses the conflicts, disputes and grief arising from interpersonal events. It is a short-term therapy treatment for depression, involving 20 one-hour weekly sessions. Interpersonal therapy addresses one or two of the main issues that are linked to your depression.

  Psychodynamic therapy utilizes analysis. The therapist assumes an almost invisible role. This allows the patient to let his feelings out, using the therapist as a blank canvas. The therapist absorbs all the information she gathers from the patient. Then she must find a viable method of teaching the patient how to handle his own emotional suffering.

Medication

• Depression medications are commonly advertised, however, it is highly recommended that you consult with your physician to determine if they are right for you. Medications can help to relieve some of your depressive symptoms, but they are often accompanied by side effects and don't always eradicate the root of the depression. Your family physician can prescribe antidepressants, but you should seek out other options as well. Ask your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional (psychiatrist) who can determine if you need medication or just a therapist. If you need medication, your physician will most likely prescribe you with an antidepressant. The most commonly prescribed antidepressants are Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft, Paxil and Lexapro.

Lifestyle Changes

• Making changes in your lifestyle can assisting to alleviate your depression. Along with alleviating your depression, lifestyle changes can stop your depression from recurring. Exercising can invigorate your body and mind. A simple routine, such as jogging every day for 30 minutes around your neighborhood, can renew your spirits.

  Eating balanced meals is also good for your physical and mental well-being. Your daily diet should include carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, dairy foods and proteins. Get enough sleep every day as poor sleeping patterns negatively affect your mood. Maintain close ties with family and friends. Join a support group, where you can bond with others experiencing depression as well.