Depression can often feel like a permanent, incurable condition, but that’s far from the truth. Depression is treatable, and there are many different depression treatments that work. Since depression as a condition presents itself differently in people, it’s essential to realize that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, anyone with depression should be examined on an individual level and given a personalized treatment plan that they feel comfortable with. If you are concerned or confused about depression treatment, what follow are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, some of which may be yours.
Does Depression Treatment Work?
Yes, depression treatment works. Where some of the confusion may stem from is that not all types of depression treatments are effective for everyone.
The common types of depression treatment are:
- Lifestyle changes
- Depression medication
- Therapy
- Inpatient residential treatment
The type of treatment a patient receives depends on various factors such as the type of depression they have, the severity, and the patient’s personal preferences. Patients sometimes need to try different treatments and combinations to find the right solution.
Are Depression Treatments Effective?
Different methods of treatment have varying levels of success overall. Depression is a complex condition that can be caused by many things and present itself in varying levels. The right treatment plan can be worked out with a personal physician and over time with medical supervision. The physician will consider the root causes of the depression, the patient’s comfort level with different treatments, and their responses to those treatments.
Let’s take a look at the depression treatments that work and their effectiveness:
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes like getting outside more, meditating, interacting with others, and paying attention to food choices can often have a powerful and positive effect. For example, interventional studies have shown that an increase in exercise can help to reduce depression levels.
Of course, for people with severe depression, lifestyle changes alone are often not enough to bring about relief and remission of symptoms. Instead, lifestyle changes in these situations are most beneficial when combined with other depression treatments. Even a complete lifestyle change cannot have the desired effect if there is a chemical imbalance that can only be addressed with medication.
Depression Medication
Wondering “how does depression medicine work?” Depression is a mental condition caused by an imbalance of the neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood and emotions. Antidepressants target this problem and work to balance neurotransmitters to improve mood, sleep, and concentration levels. In one study, it was found that 40-60 percent of participants with depression who took antidepressants noticed an improvement in their symptoms in six to eight weeks.
A lot of the incorrect assumptions out there about antidepressants have more to do with matching the proper medication to the patient. There are many types and brands of depression medicine available on the market. Each person can have a different reaction to these drugs. It often takes time to find the right medicine and dosage before a patient sees optimal results. Trying depression medication once and writing it off as ineffective is not giving it a fair chance.
Therapy (Psychotherapy, Family, or Couple Counseling)
How does therapy work for depression? Therapy can be a crucial step in identifying the root cause and effective treatment for depression. There are many different types of therapy, and some patients can benefit from participating in more than just one. For example, family or couple counseling can help address interpersonal issues and help everyone understand how to best support the depressed individual.
Some people are hesitant to try therapy because they are concerned the therapist will force them into a type of depression treatment they are not comfortable with. However, this isn’t the standard approach to counseling a depressed person. A therapist will work with their patient to develop a treatment plan that works for them.
Inpatient Residential Treatment
Some individuals wonder if paying for treatment is worth the cost. However, a better question might be what is the cost of untreated depression. Untreated depression can prevent people from enjoying life and relationships or excelling and moving forward at work. It also can lead to other health problems and costly medical bills.
Most insurance plans cover major costs in depression treatment. Even when looking at the outstanding expenses, individuals should ask themselves what a better future is worth to them. Is there a price tag you can put on happiness?
Is Depression Treatment Worth It?
Some individuals wonder if paying for treatment is worth the cost. However, the better question might be to look at what the cost is of active depression. Active depression can prevent people from excelling and moving forward at work, as well as can lead to other health problems and costly medical bills.
Most insurance plans cover the major costs in treatment. Even when looking at the outstanding costs, individuals might want to ask themselves what a better future is worth to them. Is there a price tag you can put on happiness?
“I’ve Tried Therapy, and It Doesn’t Work.”
A lot of people know someone who swears they’ve tried therapy and it “wasn’t for them.” So, does therapy work for depression? The simple answer is yes. However, therapy can encompass many approaches. Anyone in therapy who is questioning its benefits may wish to consider whether they are in the right type of therapy, with the right counselor, and/or doing the work asked of them outside of sessions.
Some patients may have to try multiple medications before they find the right brand and dosage; the same is true for therapy. Do not expect that the first therapist you try will be just the right fit. It may take some time experimenting with different therapists to find the right one.
Additionally, patients should also ask themselves if they are in the right type of therapy. Individual psychotherapy is often the first go-to. Still, some patients may experience better results from group therapy, where they can draw on the collective support of others.
Individuals should also ask themselves if they expect too much from therapy alone. Therapy is often one part of a comprehensive depression treatment plan. Patients may also need to simultaneously address their physical and medical care, lifestyle, and other individual needs.
What About Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Most people will see an improvement in their symptoms from the depression treatments listed above. However, some people have “treatment-resistant depression.” With this type of depression, the standard depression treatments that work may have little to no impact on the patient.
Treatment-resistant depression may sound hopeless, but there are psychotherapy strategies, neuro therapies, and other options that can provide relief.
Depression is highly treatable, starting with a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. For more information about how to feel better soon, contact FHE Health today at (844) 299–618.
