Depression is a mental condition that outweighs all-day sadness. Depression patients have a low quality of life and high chances of suicide. When a loved one is diagnosed with depression; medical experts call it major depression or major depressive disorder, their loved ones start to worry about the treatment, which may be the least of concern to the patient.
Depression can be more severe than others; it is tough to co-occur with other mental complications such as anxiety or substance addiction.
Depression Diagnosis and Symptoms
An individual has to display more than five symptoms for two consecutive weeks before it can be concluded as depression.
Depressed mood– an individual battling depression often feels sad and hopeless. Some become irritable, frustrated, or anxious, while others have no feelings.
Loss of interest or pleasure- depressed persons often lose interest in all activities. They no longer enjoy their hobbies, and some lose interest in sex. A condition called anhedonia.
Guilty feelings– some individuals develop feelings of worthlessness or guilt. They consider themselves failures and often misinterpret typical situations to justify their feelings.
There are more outstanding symptoms of major depression. If you or your loved one suffers from depression or showing signs of the same, it would be better to seek treatment when you still can.
Depression pills may not be enough to cure the condition. This is the reason why you need to seek help from depression treatment centers.
Antidepressant Treatment for Depression
SSRIs are effective for individuals with minor to moderate depression and need medicinal treatment. They pose fewer risks in safety and side effects. Experts at depression treatment centers administer antidepressants depending on the level of depression.
Professionals avoid using antidepressants such as tricyclic and monoamine oxidase inhibitors due to their dangerous side effects. It is advisable to take antidepressant treatment from depression treatment centers rather than self-prescription since the doctors know each drug’s right dose and side effects.
Psychotherapy Approach to Depression
Psychiatrists use a psychotherapy approach to handle mental issues through one-on-one talk with the patient. At the depression treatment center, the doctor will examine you for any underlying medical condition that could lead to displaying symptoms of depression. If none is found, talk therapy will be an excellent approach to depression.
The commonly used therapies in depression treatment are interpersonal, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some depression experts prefer to apply a blended approach. Therapy teaches you to control your thought line. If a depressed patient can reframe the negative thinking, it would be easier to employ positive behavioral skills to combat depression. It also helps you identify the root cause of your condition, making you experience negative emotions and feelings. When you know the cause, you can find a way to stay healthy.
Therapy addresses some specific aspects of your life to help you stand back and see the root of your problem.
- Healthy boundaries
Sometimes you may be feeling low or distressed; other situations will be so overwhelming that you cannot say no. In this situation, you are at risk of depression. Therapy helps you identify and set healthy goals at work or in relationships to combat such feelings.
- Relationships
Social support is crucial when battling depression. Therapy helps improve your current relationships and build new and healthy ones.
- Daily life problems
Most depression cases result from an inability to cope with life’s challenges. An excellent therapist will help you create positive vibes to handle daily life issues and make sound decisions.
Alternatives of Medication and Psychotherapy
Some depression cases fail to respond to either antidepressants or therapy. In that case, experts at depression treatment centers have to try alternative approaches.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
If a depressed patient is not responding to medication and is suicidal and self-destructive, electroconvulsive therapy may prove helpful. The action works faster than medications, and results start to manifest within one week from treatment.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
If an individual suffers significant depression resistant to all other approaches like medication and other therapies, the depression treatment center professionals will have to apply an advanced approach; TMS. It is a non-invasive approach involving magnetic energy to stimulate brain cells and boost communication between the brain and other body parts. The process helps to reduce depression symptoms.
Do Not Ignore Depression Symptoms
Depression is a serious disorder affecting the patient and those around them. Most people battling depression tend to suffer in silence due to a lack of someone to talk to or fear of opening up. Therefore, it would help to seek assistance from depression treatment centers whenever you or your loved one experiences symptoms of depression.
