Although depression, especially the severe kind, seems to be a fatal mental illness, it is important to consider that treating depression is highly possible. However, the right kind of approach should be applied so that the treatment results are successful.
Methods of Treating Depression
There are several ways of how depression can be treated. The following is an enumeration of the different methods in treating depression along with a brief description:
- Medications/Pharmacotherapy – the use of anti-depressive drugs
- Psychotherapy – the use of therapies such as counseling, Behavioral, Cognitive, and Family Therapies
- Lifestyle Modification – refers to adopting a healthy lifestyle to manage depression such as getting enough exercise, embracing a healthy diet, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – this method is done by inducing electrical pulses to the patient in a very short time in order to produce a seizure. ECT is a last resort to treating depression. However, how ECT exactly works to cure depression is still unknown.
- Phototherapy – this method is particularly useful for patients experiencing SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). SAD is a type of depression that is related to the season (typically occurs during winter months). In this method, the patient is exposed to a light source for a specific amount of time each day.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) – labeled as an alternative to ECT, TMS makes use of magnetic field pulses to send an electric current to the brain, stimulate specific cells, and normalize the brain’s function.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) – this type of therapy system makes use of a device that sends 30-second electrical impulses to the left vagus nerve every 5 minutes.
- Herbal Medicine – this is the simplest method of all; it utilizes herbs and plants such as St. John’s Wort, Evening Primrose Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids which are said to help alleviate one’s mood.
Indeed, there are many ways of how depression can be managed and treated. In some cases, a combination of these methods is utilized to increase the success rate of the treatment.
Choosing the Right Method in Treating Depression
Not all of the methods aforementioned above can be applied to any given patient. As like all kinds of treatment modalities, there are certain points that should be considered before a particular method is adopted.
The wrong kind of method in treating depression may cause more harm than help. That is why, mental health professionals assess their patients first before employing a particular method.
For instance, patients whose depressed state is due to traumatic life events rather than biochemical imbalances may respond poorly to medications. Although the use of antidepressants can uplift the state of their moods, the underlying cause of their depressive state is not directly addressed. Thus, this may lead to masking the problem, but not really cutting its main cause.
Generally, medications and psychotherapy are the two most common methods used in treating depression. However, for some special cases, the use of other choices may be most proper such as Phototherapy for those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Furthermore, it is important to be stressed out that the right method is determined by several factors such as the type of the depression, the responsiveness of the patient, the probable cause of the condition, and the availability of the patient’s resources. Before starting any treatment, it is wise to consult a health care provider first.
Indeed, alleviating depression can be done in so many ways. However, the best treatment method is not just the combination medicines and therapies; the support, love, and care of the patient’s family and friends are likewise inevitable resources in treating depression.