Depression takes many forms. It may be mild or severe. It can be an ongoing condition or triggered by a recent event, such as the birth of a baby or the loss of a loved one. Whatever your condition, your doctor and/or therapist will work with you to find the treatment plan that’s right for you.
Most likely, your doctor or therapist will suggest a plan that includes medications or psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy.” Studies have shown that the most effective treatment for depression is often a combination of the two.
Finding the Right Medication
If your depression is moderate to severe, your doctor or psychiatrist may recommend an antidepressant. There are several different classes of antidepressant that are categorized by how they affect the chemicals in your brain to alter your mood.
If one category doesn’t work for you, your doctor will recommend another. “Some categories of antidepressants work well for some people but not for others,” says Stuart Munro, M.D., medical director at the Center for Behavioral Medicine in Kansas City, Mo. It might take some time to determine which medication will work for you. Usually, medications take at least three weeks to start having an effect, Munro says. Sometimes it can take up to two months to determine the full effect. Even though the process involves some trial and error, with patience and the help of your doctor, you should find a medication that works for you.
Learn more about drugs that treat depression.
Finding the Right Therapy
Even if you’re taking medication, you will likely benefit from talking to a trained therapist. Psychotherapy treats depression by helping people understand their illness. With mild to moderate cases of depression, psychotherapy may be suggested as the only treatment method.
The form of psychotherapy best for you depends on your individual preferences and situation. The personality, age, and methodology of your therapist may also play a part. There are many different types of psychotherapy. One common method is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is based on the idea that your thoughts determine your feelings. It helps you identify negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with more productive ones. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another of many options. It focuses on improving troubled relationships that may have played a part in your depression.
It’s important to remember that, much like finding the right medication, choosing the right therapy might take some trial and error. Ask your therapist all the types of therapies he or she often uses and which ones would best meet your needs. You can try each one for a session or two, and your therapists will likely use a mix of one or more types of therapy.
Learn more about the types of psychotherapy.
Fighting Severe Depression
Unfortunately, some forms of depression are very severe and do not respond to standard treatments. It is important to identify these cases due to the risk of suicide associated with severe depression. If you have severe depression, your doctor might suggest electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This is a medical procedure used with patients who aren’t responding to medication and those at risk of suicide. In addition, hospitalization may be considered if your depression is so severe that you can’t care for yourself or there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others.
Learn more about emerging medical procedures used to treat depression.
Evaluating Your Results
As you follow your individual treatment plan, you should begin to feel some relief from your symptoms. However, some people may feel worse before they feel better, Munro says. Medication might cause side effects that eventually subside as your body gets used to the drug. Therapy might bring out uncomfortable feelings in the short term as you examine your emotions. If you feel that you’re not getting any positive results after a few weeks, let your therapist or doctor know. Be honest about what you’re feeling. “The most important thing is to be willing to ask for help,” Munro says.
