Depression can be a debilitating experience for people of any age, gender, age, race, ethnicity, or education level. It can be hard to figure out what to do to alleviate depression and it can be hard to find the words to talk about it. It is important to know that there are treatments for depression, and it is possible to feel better.
Depression can be difficult to talk about, and it can be hard to know where to turn if you are struggling with it. The good news is that there are treatments for depression and you can feel better.
Treatment Options for Depression
Depression is a complex disorder that can have many underlying factors. There is a wide spectrum of causes of depression and each one can require a different method of treatment.
Antidepressants
One common method of treatment is the use of anti-depressants. There are a handful of major different types of antidepressants, namely:
- SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
- SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
Each type of antidepressant affects the body and chemical interactions within the body to ease and minimize the effects of depression. As a complex disorder, it can be difficult to select the correct type and dosage to combat clinical depression. Your doctor can recommend a few different options and together you can find the best solution for you with the least amount of side effects.
Psychiatric Care for Depression
If you are interested in psychiatric care for depression, you can supplement or avoid taking antidepressants. During your psychiatric therapy appointments, your psychiatrist will be able to provide insight into the disease you are suffering from. In psychiatric therapy, also called “talk therapy”, you will learn new ways to handle the challenges that depression can bring on. Many of our patients admit that talk therapy has helped just as much or more than taking antidepressants alone. Talking through your depression and the triggers and mindsets that lead to debilitating episodes and thoughts can help you resolve some of the underlying causes without the side effects of medication.
You will learn how to recognize certain thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that can make depression worse. You will build a repertoire of coping techniques that have been proven to help stabilize your mind and positively react to challenging situations. Our team of specialists has years of experience helping patients build their support system and themselves to understand their emotions and thoughts and how to renavigate to a more positive and secure state of mind.
Lifestyle Changes for Depression
In addition to ongoing therapy sessions and any prescribed medications, your psychiatrist may recommend a few lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, changing your diet, or practicing meditation.
After being “prescribed” exercise requirements such as 30-minutes of light-to-moderate exercise 3-5 times per week, many patients notice that their body begins to self-regulate better and provide a respite from the symptoms of depression. Together with talk therapy and/or medications, you can live a full life without bearing the weight of depression on your shoulders alone.
If you are suffering from depression or are interested in finding out more about the best treatment options for your situation, contact our office to speak to a psychiatric care provider who can help you conquer the effects of depression.
