Many people suffer from depression when they don’t need to. Depression treatment is available and has been shown to reduce symptoms and help people overcome the crippling effects of depression.
Disclaimer: This course is intended for personal growth and development. It is not intended to take the place of professional treatment. Participants are advised to consult their own health care professional regarding the treatment of medical and mental health problems. Neither the instructor, NewDayCounseling.org, and BeHappy4Life.com take any responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, action or application of information applied in this course. See entire
It’s been estimated that only 30% of people suffering with depression actually seek help. When they do, it is usually from their PCP (primary care physician) or OB-GYN. Of those who do get treatment, only 1 in 4 continues with it. The majority quit before it begins to take effect. Yet, most people do not seek help in the first place. Following are some of the most common reasons that people with depression do not seek treatment:
1) Believe that nothing can help. This belief could result from simply not being aware of treatment options available. Or, from not be willing to get treatment because of a lack of understanding of how it can help.
Some may believe that nothing can help because of bad past experiences. They could have tried to seek help before and it wasn’t successful. So they lose hope that anything will ever help them. The symptoms of hopelessness that often accompany depression only compound this attitude. And they don’t seek help. They figure that this is a condition that they have to live with when actually they don’t.
2) Can make it on their own. Some people who suffer from depression believe that they can handle it on their own. They try to get the answers they need so they can help themselves.
3) Fear of stigma. Depression has been misunderstood for so long that a stigma has been attached to it. As a result, some people suffering from depression are afraid to admit it. Fear of doing so keeps them from seeking help.
4) Embarrassment. Some people suffering from depression are ashamed of their condition. They feel so bad about themselves that they end up hiding their depression from others.
5) Denial. Sometimes people will deny to themselves and others that they are really depressed. It is too painful or uncomfortable to face the unpleasant reality that they have a problem, so they try to live as though it doesn’t exist.
6) Personal Blame. Some people think that they are to blame for being depressed. They didn’t try hard enough or somehow they deserve it and are being punished.
7) Feel Lethargic. At a more severe level of depression, a person can become so inactive and despondent that they don’t care about themselves and their well-being. People who care about the depressed individual can play a vital part in their getting treatment. It is often at the point of breakdown that some are willing to seek help.
If depression is left untreated it can lead to more problems such as job disability, school problems, family problems, worsening medical conditions, etc. to name just a few. Untreated depression leads to higher rates of self-treatment with drugs and alcohol that can result in substance abuse or addictions. Untreated depression can worsen and progress into self-destructive behaviors and ultimately, suicide. When depression is untreated for a long time it can become more difficult to treat because it has become a lifestyle.
Anyone experiencing any of the following signs
should seek professional assistance:
1) Thinking about death or suicide. This is always
dangerous and should be taken seriously. It has been
estimated that more than 60% of all suicides are related to depression. That means that the majority of people who kill themselves are suffering from depression. Their pain has become unbearable, and they do not see any other way out. Suicide happens when pain exceeds the resources to cope with the pain. Pain can be reduced and coping resources can be increased. There is hope of a better solution. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
Anyone suspected of considering suicide needs immediate attention and should be taken to a psychiatrist, doctor, or emergency room. You can contact the crisis hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE for assistance.
Excellent resource to help anyone thinking about suicide: “If you are thinking about suicide, read this first” at http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/
2) Symptoms of depression continue for a long time. Symptoms should not get worse or persist every day for more than 2 weeks.
3) Ability to function is impaired by depression. When depression interferes with normal functioning at home, work, school, social situations, or any other important life area it is important to get help before it gets to a serious level.
4) You have become isolated. When a depressed person does not share their thoughts and feelings with someone else, they do not have any “reality testing” with anyone. They do not get any feedback or challenges to the way they are perceiving things. Counseling is especially beneficial in helping people see things from a realistic and more hopeful perspective.
5) Depressive symptoms have become severe. Depression can severely disable a person and leave them it total despair and agony. Professional help is needed when symptoms get to the point where it becomes too difficult to function normally.
The first step in treating depression is to get a physical exam by a medical doctor. A medical doctor will be able to determine if there are any biological causes for the depression that need to be treated or ruled out. A psychological evaluation can then help to determine a proper diagnosis for depression.
There are generally 3 basic ways to treat depression:
1) Self-help. There are countless resources on depression that provide information on types of depression, causes, symptoms, treatment options, and where to get help. Resources are also available that teach people how to explore their beliefs and thinking on their own. For some people, especially those with milder forms of depression, these basic strategies can be very beneficial in dealing with depression. Learning about depression in an effort to help oneself can provide the necessary education to understand when self-help is sufficient and when additional treatment is most appropriate.
2) Psychotherapy. There are many different types of therapy that can help people with depression. According to research findings both cognitive/behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapies have shown to significantly improve symptoms. Psychotherapies that are most effective address the cognitive (what we think); behavior (what we do); interpersonal (how we relate to others); solution-focused (how things will be better in the future).
Psychotherapy is intended to help people improve their well-being by exploring beliefs, thinking, feeling, and conflicts. Finding the right therapist is an important part of the treatment process. New ways of thinking and behaving are learned and insight is gained with the guidance of a professional with whom there is trust, respect and openness. However, if there isn’t some improvement in depressive symptoms with psychotherapy within 6-8 weeks, medications should be seriously considered.
3) Medication. Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine) are depleted in individuals with biological depression. Antidepressants help to balance these brain chemicals. Knowing what antidepressant will work best in accomplishing this is unique to each person and dependent on the type of depression. It might take some time to get the right combination of medication. In that time it’s important to stay patient and hopeful. Antidepressants usually take at least a week to have any effect and it’s important to not get off the medication prematurely without the doctor’s instruction.
Medical treatment relieves symptoms of depression and keeps them from returning. The most commonly prescribed medications are antidepressants called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors). There are many different SSRIs available (for a list click here).
Other antidepressants include tricyclics, MAO inhibitors, atypical antidepressants, and psychostimulants. For more information on other antidepressants click here.
According to research, the most effective treatment for major depressive disorder is psychotherapy and medication. Medication alone is usually not sufficient. If coping has not been improved, depression comes back when new challenges arise. The reverse is also true. Psychotherapy alone may not be sufficient as well. Although psychotherapy can be very effective, the physical symptoms of depression can hinder steady progress and relief from depression. Treating both the body and the mind together works best.
ECT (Electro-Convulsive Therapy or electroshock therapy) is also another treatment for depression used in more severe cases and with other mental illnesses as well. (for more info click here).
Alternative medication is becoming more and more popular in the treatment of depression and anxiety, as well as many other illnesses. Because of the side effects of antidepressants many people have turned to natural alternatives. Complementary medicine is used with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. To learn more about the differences and how it works click here.
Dr. Slagle is mentioned in “The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies” under alternative treatment for depression. She believes that nutrition has a significant influence on your state of mind. Dr. Slagle is a psychiatrist who has suffered from chronic and severe depression. She has put together a natural treatment for depression made up of B vitamins and amino acids. Her treatment has changed her life and helped her patients and many others suffering from depression. Her treatment program is offered in her book “The Way Up From Down.” The book is free to download at http://www.thewayup.com/upfrmdwn.htm
There are reports that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce depression.
Other alternative therapies to help with depression include: aromatherapy, color therapy (chromotherapy), light therapy (phototherapy), acupuncture, acupressure, and biofeedback.
Choose one (or more) treatment option(s) for depression and explain how it can be helpful.
