subject: Where To Turn For Depression Help [print this page] When individuals experience depression they may feel that they are all alone, but they are not. Men and women, old and young alike can develop depression in its various forms and severities. In fact, one out of six people will go though a bout of depression in their lifetime. And each person may experience symptoms differently. Some people want to sleep; others cannot relax. Some people overeat, while others drop weight because they are not eating enough. Depression itself is more than the sum of its symptoms. You may suffer through one episode and never again. Or it can take over your life, time after time. The bottom line is: if it is interfering with the way you want to live your life, you need to do something about it. On the up side, depression is quite treatable. Even those with severe depression respond to treatment. The trick is finding the right treatment.
After evaluating your symptoms and the severity of the problem, a course of treatment will be recommended that will probably include medication and therapy. There is no straight path to a cure and it may take some trial and error to find the right treatment. Also, take whatever steps necessary to avoid walking this path alone. Involve a loved one to help you get through this.
Medications
A variety of antidepressants are used to treat depression, but none of them work overnight. While you probably want to feel better immediately, that is not how they work. It may take four weeks or more before you begin to feel the medications effect. Or, it may take weeks to know that it is not the best solution. At that point, the doctor may adjust the dosage or prescribe a new medication.
Some of the more common antidepressants include Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor XR and Paxil CR as well as their generic equivalents. They each work differently, so it is important to work with your doctor to find one that works for you. If no one medication is working, the doctor may add a second medication to your regimen like Abilify, which works in conjunction with other antidepressants. Again, it can take up to four weeks to be able to judge its effectiveness.
Once you find the right medication, do not stop taking it just because you feel better. Most doctors agree that maintenance medication for some period of time is often required so symptoms do not reoccur or even worsen. Depression does not mean you need to take medication the rest of your life, but you need to let your doctor direct your care.
Suicide warnings
By nature of the disorder, some depressed people are at risk of hurting themselves, or even committing suicide. Unfortunately, some antidepressants can actually worsen the state of depression and suicidal thoughts can take over. As a result, all patients on antidepressants should be closely monitored for worsening symptoms, unusual changes in behavior and suicidal thoughts. Family members or those close to the patient should be alerted to watch for these changes.
Therapy
In addition to medication, treatment can include therapy by a mental health professional. These include counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and nurse psychotherapists. Your doctor may make a recommendation, or you can seek the advice of a school counselor, health department, hospital, crisis center or clergyman. Its also very important that you involve your health insurance company. Many insurance plans have a mental health plan, but you need to work with its providers if the fees are going to be covered.
Be aware that just like medications, the first therapist you visit may not work for you. Its a good idea to do your homework before you go. Call the office or view the therapists Web site. Find out what kind of treatment approach is used individual therapy, family counseling, behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, etc. Make sure the therapists office hours meet your needs. If you work all day, you need someone who has evening hours.
If after several visits to the therapist, you do not feel it is helping you, talk to the therapist about it. This may resolve the problem or it may be the push you need to find someone else. The therapist may even know someone who fits your needs. Communication is very important. Remember, you are likely to get better faster when you are comfortable with your therapist.
As you can see, depression is fairly common, so take heart. There are plenty of treatment options that can help you feel better.
