Our services are now being offered via telehealth, as well as in person.
Our services are now being offered via telehealth, as well as in person.
What is depression? What is depression treatment therapy? Read on to learn more about depression and medical treatment options.
What is depression? Depression is a significant mental health disorder that can affect anyone at any age. It is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in before-enjoyed activities. Depression can interfere with daily functioning and lead to physical and emotional symptoms. Need to seek treatment for depression to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent complications. Depression treatment therapy will help with this. Continue reading to find out more.
Let us guide you through your options and treatment opportunities. Contact Alternative Options today.
Depression is a significant mental illness both in the United States and globally.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, an average of 9.5% of American adults ages 18 and over, will suffer from a depressive illness (major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia) each year.
Additionally, women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from major depression than men. Mental health challenges are common, but fortunately, depression treatment therapy can help individuals manage their symptoms.1
There are different ways to treat depression, like medicines, talking to a therapist, and changing your lifestyle. Combining treatments can work best. Talking to a healthcare professional is important to determine which depression treatment therapy is best for you.2
Often, it is beneficial for individuals to visit with a psychiatrist to complement their depression treatment therapy. Doctors, such as psychiatrists or primary care doctors, might give you a medicine called antidepressants. There are a few different kinds, like SSRIs, TCAs, SNRIs, and MAOIs.
For many, antidepressants are a great treatment choice. Antidepressants help regulate brain chemistry and mitigate depressive symptoms. However, while antidepressants can help with the symptoms, they can also cause some problems, like feeling sick, dizzy, or having trouble sleeping. Antidepressants can cause you to gain weight and have trouble with sex drive. They can also cause you to think about hurting yourself, especially if you are young. Hence, monitoring symptoms and seeking help if they worsen is essential.
It is important to have an ongoing relationship with your designated doctor to see if antidepressants are a good fit for your unique needs and circumstances.
The most often prescribed class of antidepressants, SSRIs, increase the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls mood in the brain. The SSRIs fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and citalopram (Celexa) are used (Celexa). SNRIs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter that impacts mood.
Older types of antidepressants are called TCAs and MAOIs. Doctors might give them to people who didn’t get better with other treatments, but they have some side effects and food restrictions. TCAs, like Elavil and Pamelor, change the levels of chemicals in the brain. MAOIs, like Nardil and Parnate, work by stopping a specific enzyme that breaks down brain chemicals, which leads to more serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Doctors use a medicine called antidepressants to help with depression. These medicines work by changing chemicals in the brain to make people feel better. Talking to a doctor about which medication to use and how much to take is essential, so you can be safe and get the proper treatment.3
Psychological treatment options for depression include CBT, IPT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based therapy. Each approach works to address the underlying causes of depression and improve coping skills. Working with a qualified therapist is essential to determine which type of therapy may be most helpful for individual needs.
CBT is a goal-oriented approach that helps individuals identify and change negative behaviors and thought patterns contributing to depression. This depression treatment therapy focuses on developing coping skills and problem-solving techniques to manage symptoms.
Interpersonal therapy helps people with depression feel better by improving their relationships and communication skills. It is a short-term therapy. This type of depression treatment therapy may benefit individuals who have experienced a sudden life change, such as a loss or a relationship problem.
Psychodynamic therapy is a long-term method that focuses on finding and fixing unresolved conflicts that may be causing depression. This depression treatment therapy involves exploring past experiences and emotions to gain insight into present behavior and patterns.
Mindfulness-based therapy is when you learn to pay attention to what’s happening right now without worrying about the past and the future. You also know to accept and deal with complicated feelings thoughtfully. This kind of therapy might involve meditation or other activities to help you be more understanding and accepting of yourself and your experiences.4
Lifestyle changes can help manage depression symptoms. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, enough sleep, and ways to deal with stress, like yoga and meditation, can improve mood and health. Must make gradual changes and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or therapist.
Cost is an essential factor to consider when choosing depression treatment therapy. Some depression treatment options, like medication and therapy, may be covered by insurance, but others, like complementary treatments, may need to be covered. It’s essential to know how much each option costs and talk to a healthcare professional about what is affordable.
When choosing your designated depression treatment therapy, it’s essential to consider how bad the symptoms are, any other health conditions, and what you like. Some people like holistic treatments, while others prefer medication or therapy. Working with a healthcare professional, like a doctor or therapist, is essential to figure out the best depression treatment therapy. They can help find the root cause of the depression and recommend treatments that will work best. Being honest and open with them will ensure the program fits your needs.
Support from family and friends can help manage depression. Support groups and online resources can also provide a sense of community and connection. You must see a doctor or therapist if your symptoms don’t go away or worsen.
Alternative Options is a great place to get your depression treatment therapy. The therapists are kind and have a lot of experience. They can help you feel better by using treatments shown to work, like CBT, IPT, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy.
At Alternative Options, we understand everyone is unique, so we tailor our treatment plans to meet each client’s needs and preferences. Our goal is to help you develop the coping skills and strategies you need to manage symptoms of depression and improve your quality of life.
Alternative Options offer a supportive and welcoming environment that fosters healing and growth. We are committed to working with each client to ensure they receive the attention and care they deserve.
Don’t hesitate to contact Alternative Options if you are ready to take the first step toward improving. Our team of professionals is prepared and dedicated to helping you live a healthier and better life.
Serving Los Angeles and Orange County Areas
