1. Talk-Therapy
Talking to a professional who has been trained in providing
psychotherapy (other wise known as talk-therapy) to people
who are depressed, can be helpful. The therapy helps to
relieve distress by discussing and expressing feelings,
to help change attitudes, behaviours and habits that may
be causing the depression. Doctors, social workers, psychologists
and other mental health professionals are trained in different
models of talk-therapy.
Scientific research has shown that
two types of talk-therapy can be effective in treating depression.
One type is Interpersonal Therapy. In this type of therapy,
people look at how their relationships with other people
may be causing their depression.
The other type of therapy
is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This type of talk-therapy
helps people see how their negative thoughts and behaviours
are causing their depression. Examples of negative thoughts
are “I am useless and worthless”, “Nobody
likes me” or “I have no future”. Examples
of negative behaviours include avoidance of social interactions
with people or decreasing activities that you enjoy. Cognitive
Behaviour Therapy teaches people how to change these negative
thoughts and behaviours.
2. Medications:
Medications called antidepressants can be used to treat depression.
It is important to have a doctor you feel comfortable asking
questions about medications and their side effects. Some people
worry that they will become addicted to or dependent on medication.
Antidepressants are not addictive. Many people believe being
on antidepressants is a sign of weakness. Depression is a
medical illness that, without treatment, can worsen significantly
and even become life threatening. All medications can have
side effects.
Common side-effects from antidepressants are
headaches, nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, increased anxiety,
sleepiness and sexual difficulties. The headaches, nausea
and increased anxiety will usually decrease the longer you
are on the medication. If you are struggling with side-effects
it is important to tell your doctor and not suddenly stop
your medication. A sudden stop of your medication can cause
unpleasant reactions.
To get the best effect from a medication,
your physician may gradually increase the dose to a therapeutic
level. Unlike other medications that relieve symptoms very
quickly, antidepressants usually take 2 or more weeks to take
effect.
It is not uncommon for your doctor to try 2 or more
different antidepressants before finding one that works well
for you and has tolerable side-effects. Once the medication
has treated your depression, it is often recommended that
you continue to take the medication for up to one year or
more, in order to prevent a relapse.
3. Other Options:
There are other things that have not yet been scientifically
researched but may be helpful. Learning skills to solve problems
or how to be more assertive may be helpful. Lifestyle changes
such as good nutrition, exercise and meditation may also be
helpful.
4. Help For Families:
Seeing a relative with depression can make you feel sad, frightened,
helpless and anxious. You may experience guilt, anger and
frustration. Without information about depression, you might
think that your relative is lazy, give well-meaning advice
and become frustrated when he or she does not act on your
advice. If your relative talks about suicide, you will understandably
live with a great deal of worry. Families need to get as much
information as possible about depression. Knowledge and understanding
will improve your ability to assist your loved one and deal
with your feelings. Information is available from the doctor,
social worker or other mental health professional.
Moderately depressed people may be able to
hear your helpful suggestions, but be unable to act on your
advice. Avoid quizzing them about what made them feel depressed.
Do not blame them for the way they feel, or tell them to snap
out of it. This will only increase their feelings of guilt,
loneliness and isolation. Depressed people often cannot identify
what made them depressed or what will be helpful.
If your relative is severely depressed, it
is normal for you to experience his or her company as very
draining. Short, frequent contacts are often the best way
to deal with them
When someone suffers from a serious illness,
it is natural for family members to feel worried and stressed.
This stress can lead to sleep problems, fatigue and chronic
irritability. It is important to recognize these signs of
stress in yourself and look after your own health. Make time
for yourself. Make sure you have good support from friends
and relatives. There may be a self-help organization in your
area. These are usually offered at local hospitals or community
mental health clinics. Accept that sometimes you will have
negative feelings about the situation. These feelings are
normal and you should not feel guilty.
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