Depression Treatment

Treatment for depression

The most important part of treatment is recognizing and accepting that you have an illness and need help. Friends and relatives may be aware of your depression but may be anxious not to upset you further by discussing it, or you may not be prepared to listen either to yourself or your friends. As in diabetes, treatment may need to be continued for life. Most people will require a minimum of six months' medication.

Depression can cause distress in many different aspects of one's life including home, work and school. Research shows that of those who seek treatment for depression, approximately 80% find long term, effective results. The most popular methods of relieving depression related symptoms include:

• Prescription Medications
• Natural Alternatives and Medicines
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy based programs

One or a combination of the following suggestions may be of help:

• Talking things over with a doctor, family friends, employers or the Samaritans
  
• Extra daylight (special daylight bulbs and light boxes are available)
  
• Relaxation therapy
  
• Homeopathy
  
• Herbal medicine
  
• Psychotherapy and counseling
  
• Change of diet
  
• Antidepressant medication
  
• ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) whereby an electric current is passed through the brain to alter patterns of thinking)
  
• Self-help groups
  
• Aromatherapy
  
• Exercise and fresh air
  
• Changing job
  
• Abstaining from alcohol

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