Depression Treatment and Depression Therapy: Article

Depression Treatment and Depression Therapy: Article

Depression is commonly referred to as a state of feeling sad, down, blue or unhappy.

We all experience short periods of depression in response to difficult life circumstances, so in this context depression can be considered a normal human experience. In contrast to the "normal" experience of depression, clinical depression is a state of sadness that lasts for a longer period and is accompanied by an inability to function properly. Depression treatment is usually necessary for clinical depression.

Clinical depression requiring treatment is accompanied by a combination of the following symptoms.

*sadness / feeling depressed.
*anxiety
*decreased concentration, energy, motivation , appetite.
*sleeping too little or too much
*loss of interest in pleasurable activities
*poor self esteem
*hopelessness
*feeling like life is not worth living.
*thoughts about self harm

The two major categories of depression are major depression and dysthymia. Major depression is a more severe form of depression and is associated with greater disability. The diagnosis of major depression requires that the symptoms of depression must be present for at least two weeks. Dysthymia is a less severe or low grade from of depression that is present for a least two years.

Depression treatment can be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of depression and helping those who have depression return to healthy, productive lives. Depression treatment may include antidepressants such as Celexa, Effexor, Zoloft and Cymbalta.

Psychotherapy / Counselling services can also be highly effective in alleviating suffering. Psychotherapy and Counselling are therefore integral to depression treatment. Several models of counselling / psychotherapy may be effective in depression treatment. Cognitive behavioural therapy can lead to significant improvment in symptoms of deprssion but other models of psychotherapy / counselling may also be quite effective. Depression treatment would ideally combine medication and psychotherapy services or counselling service however; psychotherapy / counselling or antidepressants are often used on their own with good results.

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy ( MBCT ) is a well researched approach to teaching patients with mental health illness to meditate. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy ( MBCT ) can be particularly useful for depression treatment since studies have shown that it can prevent depression from recurring in those who practice meditation. IPT ( Interpersonal Therapy) is another model of therapy that has been well studied and found to be efficacious for depression treatment.

Lifestyle changes which would be considered important in the treatment of depression include ; exercise, enough sleep, well balanced meals and in general practicing self care.

Most importantly remember that depression treatment can be highly effective in helping you heal. If you think you might have depression you could benefit from depression treatment. Talk to your doctor or find a psychologist / counsellor or psychotherapist to help you.