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Overcoming Depression - therapy and general support

Overcoming Depression can be a slow and difficult process. Those suffering from depression will often feel as though they have sunk to the bottom of a never-ending pit from which they simply cannot escape.

Whilst medication might initially seem like the perfect cure, in the long run it is never the best solution. In most cases individuals will eventually have to be weaned off their medication which often results in them once again succumbing to depression.

Electroconvulsive Therapy or ECT as it is often called has proved effective in the treatment of depression in patients who cannot take prescribed medication for one reason or another. Although perfectly safe when administered under the correct conditions, most professionals are in agreement that this type of therapy should only be prescribed as a last resort.

Experts are in agreement that medical treatment aside, the most effective tool in the treatment of depressive symptoms is undoubtedly psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the practice of working through ones problems with a qualified professional. Referred to as the 'talking cure' in some circles, psychotherapy is widely used to treat a number of psychological disorders including depression. Cognitive therapy and interpersonal therapy in particular are often used in the treatment of depressive disorders.

Professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and certain kinds of nurses and councillors are all trained to provide quality therapy. More importantly than anything else, individuals should be completely at ease in the presence of their therapist. In order for treatment to be effective, depressed patients will need to be able to be completely open and honest with their therapist.

In addition to medication, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy, self help techniques are also incredibly effective in the treatment of symptoms of depression. Simple things such as keeping a mood diary may help to isolate what it is that triggers depressive episodes in the first place. Similarly, talking through one's feelings with friends and family members as opposed to keeping emotions bottled up may help to put everything into perspective.

The greatest challenge in any depressed individuals life is learning to harness negative thoughts and respond appropriately to emotions such as guilt, shame, frustration and disappointment. Many patients also find that relaxation techniques and alternative therapies such as herbal medication, yoga, reflexology and acupuncture help them to cope effectively and prove invaluable in the long term treatment of depressive symptoms.

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