Depression – What You Need to Know
Depression is a mental health condition that affects people of all ages and can affect how you live your life. The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person, but they are usually accompanied by low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
Medication can help manage the symptoms of depression and reduce the risk of relapse. However, medication can cause side effects, so you should be aware of potential problems before taking them.
Medications can also be used to treat other conditions that might be contributing to your depression, such as anxiety or panic disorders. You should talk to your doctor about any other medical conditions you have before using medication.
You can also ask your doctor to recommend a treatment program that can help you cope with depression. These programs can include counseling, exercise and dietary changes.
There are a number of things that can trigger depression, such as the death of a loved one, trauma or divorce. Some medications can also increase your risk of developing depression.
Depression is a chronic illness that lasts weeks, months or even years. Some people will never have another episode of depression, while others will have several relapses.
Genetics and brain chemistry can contribute to depression, as can stress from life events. Other causes of depression are medical conditions and drug use.
Medication is often the first line of treatment for adults with depression. Depending on the severity of your depression, you may need to take medication for several weeks or even months. Some types of medication are more effective than others. Your doctor will consider all the information you provide to make the right choice for you.
Psychotherapy – or talking therapy – can be very helpful for people with depression. It teaches you new ways to think and feel about yourself and your situation. It can be done with an individual or group.
Some of the most effective forms of therapy are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). These therapies focus on identifying and changing the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that can cause depression.
Family and couples therapy can also be helpful for children and adolescents with depression. During these sessions, the whole family can work together to address issues and learn coping skills for dealing with depression.
Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy is the best approach for children and adolescents with depression. The best part is that most kids respond very well to both treatments.
When children and teens receive treatment, they usually start to see improvement in their depression symptoms within 5 – 20 sessions. They will be given specific skills to practice during each session. They may also be referred to a therapist who specializes in treating mental health conditions.
BetterHelp can make it easy to find a local therapist. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched within 48 hours.
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