The good news is that no matter how severe the depression might be – it can be treated! However, the sooner treatment is received, the better, as it’s a mental illness that will only get worse and worse over time. If you are wondering ‘how is depression treated?’, then you’re at the right place. In this article we’ll provide you with everything you need to know.
The first and most important step towards recovery is to see a mental health professional. These people will be able to detect if depression is actually present, as it can often be confused with symptoms of other medical conditions. This person will run an assessment to determine if depression is the problem and once it has been accurately detected, the next step in the process is to conduct a mental evaluation. This will include a discussion into finding out whether the patient has a family history of depression or any other mental health illness as well as documenting the symptoms that the patient is currently experiencing.
Here are some of the questions that will be asked:
- When did the symptoms start?
- How long has the symptoms lasted?
- How severe are the symptoms?
- Have these symptoms happened before? If so, how were they treated?
- Does the individual use drugs or alcohol?
- Has the person thought about committing suicide?
Once all of this has been determined, the next step is treatment, which is commonly done through psychotherapy and/or taking medication.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is highly effective in treating those suffering from depression. There are two main types of psychotherapy, namely cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT helps to change the way in which the depressed individual thinks and perceives the world around them in a more accurate manner. It also helps in showing the person that they are actually contributing to their negative ways and teaches the patient how to change this. IPT helps the patient to understand and overcome any relationships that may actually be the source of their depression. While psychotherapy may be effective in helping those suffering from depression, for others with more severe and harsh symptoms, it may not be enough. Medication needs to be worked in conjunction with to minimise the possibility of it ever returning.
Medication
For people with severe depression, medication needs to work hand-in-hand with the psychotherapy treatment that they are receiving. However, because of the side effects associated with these medications, it needs to be supervised by a mental health professional. The medication will need to be taken for at least 4-6 weeks to experience its full effect and the dosage should only be stopped by a medical practitioner, as some medicines need to be gradually minimised into order to help the patient’s body to become accustomed to living without the drugs. If the medication doesn’t work after that period, don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world! In fact, the US National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) states that “research has shown that people who did not get well after taking a first medication increased their chances of beating the depression after they switched to a different medication or added another medication to their existing one.”
Depression Help
If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from depression, we are here to help. The best way to treat this mental illness is to get professional assistance and we can offer you exactly that. For access to the best depression clinics near you, feel free to give us a call and we’ll find one suited to you or your loved one’s every individual needs.
The good news is that no matter how severe the depression might be – it can be treated! However, the sooner treatment is received, the better, as it’s a mental illness that will only get worse and worse over time. If you are wondering ‘how is depression treated?’, then you’re at the right place. In this article we’ll provide you with everything you need to know.
The first and most important step towards recovery is to see a mental health professional. These people will be able to detect if depression is actually present, as it can often be confused with symptoms of other medical conditions. This person will run an assessment to determine if depression is the problem and once it has been accurately detected, the next step in the process is to conduct a mental evaluation. This will include a discussion into finding out whether the patient has a family history of depression or any other mental health illness as well as documenting the symptoms that the patient is currently experiencing.
Here are some of the questions that will be asked:
- When did the symptoms start?
- How long has the symptoms lasted?
- How severe are the symptoms?
- Have these symptoms happened before? If so, how were they treated?
- Does the individual use drugs or alcohol?
- Has the person thought about committing suicide?
Once all of this has been determined, the next step is treatment, which is commonly done through psychotherapy and/or taking medication.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is highly effective in treating those suffering from depression. There are two main types of psychotherapy, namely cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT helps to change the way in which the depressed individual thinks and perceives the world around them in a more accurate manner. It also helps in showing the person that they are actually contributing to their negative ways and teaches the patient how to change this. IPT helps the patient to understand and overcome any relationships that may actually be the source of their depression. While psychotherapy may be effective in helping those suffering from depression, for others with more severe and harsh symptoms, it may not be enough. Medication needs to be worked in conjunction with to minimise the possibility of it ever returning.
Medication
For people with severe depression, medication needs to work hand-in-hand with the psychotherapy treatment that they are receiving. However, because of the side effects associated with these medications, it needs to be supervised by a mental health professional. The medication will need to be taken for at least 4-6 weeks to experience its full effect and the dosage should only be stopped by a medical practitioner, as some medicines need to be gradually minimised into order to help the patient’s body to become accustomed to living without the drugs. If the medication doesn’t work after that period, don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world! In fact, the US National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) states that “research has shown that people who did not get well after taking a first medication increased their chances of beating the depression after they switched to a different medication or added another medication to their existing one.”
Depression Help
If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from depression, we are here to help. The best way to treat this mental illness is to get professional assistance and we can offer you exactly that. For access to the best depression clinics near you, feel free to give us a call and we’ll find one suited to you or your loved one’s every individual needs.
Founded in 2008, WeDoRecover has evolved from an advisory service for addiction treatment into a comprehensive provider of care, following its 2019 merger with Changes Addiction Rehab in Johannesburg. Specialising in connecting patients to top-tier addiction treatment centers in the UK, South Africa and Thailand, WeDoRecover supports individuals globally, including those from the United Arab Emirates and Europe. Accepting both South African medical aid and international health insurance our organisation facilitates access to high-quality treatment for substance and alcohol use disorders, offering individualised care that addresses the physical, mental and social needs of patients.