It is essential to get treatment underway as soon as depression is present although this can be very difficult.  It is an insidious disease which often creeps up and takes over without the patient or close family and friends being aware until it has a grip.  However, treatment for depression should be sought as soon as possible once the awareness is there.  The patient may not wish to consult with anyone about his problems but must be encouraged to do so.

Depression is a term covering quite a wide range of symptoms and so treating depression will also be wide ranging.  We are not dealing here with the usual “blues” that most people go through from time to time.  If you are a bit down then it is simply a case of pulling yourself up out of it. Depression as an illness is a hideous thing that needs professional help.

I’ve listed here some treatments for depression which is really just a quick overview of some which may be put forward.  It is possible to mix and match according to the individual and her medical practitioner.

Psychotherapy

This will include talking and counselling.  It comes in various forms under different names concentrating on different techniques depending upon the type and severity of the illness.  These include:

Cognitive therapy – is about recognising feelings within the person and about his surroundings. It helps to change the assumptions that the patient harbours.

Psychodynamic therapy – concentrates on the cause of depression, often dating back to childhood. Understanding and resolving these unconscious conflicts will enable the patient to cope with present day feelings and hopefully move on.

Interpersonal therapy – looks at the interaction between the patient and family and friends in order to improve self esteem through communication skills

Medicinal

SSRIs (or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are a form of anti-depressant medication.  These change the amount of serotonin present in the brain

MAOIs (or Monomine Oxidase Inhibitors) are used in a variety of mental illnesses.  The drawback is that it is necessary to cut certain foods out of the diet.

TCAs (or Tricyclic Antidepressants) which block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. This is the oldest of the drugs used for treating depression and has a number of unwanted side effects.

Aerobic exercise

Taking thirty minutes of exercise each day will often help the body to release the “happy hormones”.  These are chemicals called endorphins which give feelings of well-being.  Depending upon the severity and type of depression, aerobic exercise can be beneficial.

Exercise could be:  an organised exercise class, jogging/running, cycling, brisk walking, workout in the gym, and so on.  There is plenty of choice.

If you feel that you, or someone you know, is suffering from depression, do please seek professional help.  There is no need to suffer.

Knowing about this illness helps both sufferers and carers.  For more information about depression, visit:  Depression FAQs

Jean Taylor became interested in the illness when members of her family were diagnosed with depression. This led her to research alongside the experience which was thrust upon her. She has now set up a website: http://www.depression-faqs.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/treating-depression-1542535.html