Depression Therapy - Deciding For or Against

Depression therapy through a health professional is a more aggresive approach that may or may not be necessary. Before going to a psychotherapist, here are some things about depression to consider:

· Around 50% of most depressions fade away in 6 to 12 months without any treatment at all. If you are coping with mild depression and you can tolerate it, just being patient in waiting it out is a good option. The guiding idea for you should be whether or not the illness is adequately impairing you to cause problems in your personal life and relationships.

· If your depression has been triggered by a specific life event (death of a loved one, loss of a job, etc.), therapy may speed up your healing process, but "reactive" depressions often accumulate force and can become serious depressions. If this occurs to you, therapy and even medication may be needed.

· Medication is recommended for victims of frequent depression. Most depressives might find talk therapy to be an effective cure. Communicating and sharing problems with other people can release some of the tensions building up within the depressed.

· Your time, money, goals and especially health insurance are all important factors to be considered.

When you are feeling the signs of serious depression you can immediately ask for the help of a therapist. If you are in therapy or a group, you must make sure to tell your therapist how much you are hurting. Call a therapist or your mental health center. Do not delay by trying to treat yourself or by hoping you'll get better.

Medication may be suitable when symptoms have been aggravated and have negatively affected the social life, work activities, relationships, and character of the depressed. There may be some unwillingness to consider medication. While it should not be seen as an absolute treatment on its own, there are times when medication is inappropriate and unnecessary. It is important to know that there have been significant advances in the chemical treatment of depression. Many of the previous medications and their side effects no longer apply. It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

If your depression is primarily chemical, psychological coping techniques are helpful but not that adequate. Likewise, if your depression has psychological causes, drugs may be useful but not sufficient. There is usually no way to tell if your depression is chemical or psychological, so consider both.  

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