The depressed person may become overwhelmed as to what to do. Deciding to get treatment is the first step to be on the way to better mental health. The standard treatments for depression are medication and therapy. Treatment includes the use of antidepressant drugs, followed by long-term psychotherapy. Once treatment has begun, most patients, even those with major depression, show improvement.
The doctor will prescribe medication based on the type of depression assessed. Antidepressants require time to take effect, sometimes as long as four weeks or more before there is a noticeable change in the patient's mood. The antidepressants work by balancing the chemicals in the brain. Thus, following the doctor's directions is critical for the success of the treatment.
Side effects
Common side effects to antidepressants may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- sexual problems
- dizziness
- sleeping problems
- weight changes
- irritability
- anxiety
It is important the patient discusses their side effects with their doctor. The doctor would then prescribe a medication most suitable for the patient.
Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” is also crucial to the success of the treatment. The patient and the therapist talk about what the patient is feeling. Four common therapy approaches include:
- Cognitive-behavioral, which helps the patient identify and change the thought and behavior patterns that contributes to depression
- Interpersonal therapy, which looks at possible troubled emotional relationships and how they're connected to the patient's depression
- Psychodynamic therapy, which links the patient's depression to past traumas that happened earlier in life
- Group therapy, which allows the patient and other people with depression to meet together with a therapist and share experiences. People with the same issues that contributed to the patient's depression could be considered a group also. The approach the group takes may be any of the types mentioned above.
- For cases of extreme depression ECT or electroconvulsive therapy, often misunderstood, is very effective
Once you have learned as much as you can about depression, do what you can do to encourage or ensure that your friend receives medical attention. You may research and recommend a psychiatrist, a therapist or a mental health program for him or her to attend. You may further offer to go with your friend to appointments as support.
A final thing you can do for your depressed friend is be supportive and patient. Remember, treatment takes time. Most importantly, be a good listener. Listen to what he or she has to say. After all, you may, knowingly or unknowingly be the most important resource to your depressed friend.
It is critical to remember that you cannot take responsibility for another person's life nor can you make the decision for that person to get help. The decision to get help is solely up to the person suffering with depression. However, you can learn as much as
you can about it. Encourage and ensure that the depressed person receives medical care. Lastly, be supportive and patient during the treatment period.
