Depression - treatment approaches

Depression - treatment approaches

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, you will look for ways to help you and your family. There isn't just one way, so make sure you get all the information you need to make the best choice for you.

General practitioner (GP)

The first step for many people with depression is their trusted family doctor. Once you explain to your primary care doctor how you are feeling and what is going on in your life, he or she will most likely ask you a series of questions to determine whether your symptoms point toward depression or other health concerns. As a result, he may suggest medication (antidepressants) or refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other therapist who deals with depression, depending on what suits you best.

drug

Remember that taking medication is a very personal decision and some people prefer not to try. If you feel like your primary care doctor is biased and trying to persuade you into a treatment that isn't right for you, find someone who can give you a second opinion.

Medication treats the biological component of the disease. However, treatment of depression must be collaborative and include both psychological and biological components. Make sure you choose therapists who work together.

Psychological support

There are various forms of therapy that can be helpful in treating depression: psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling and other alternative therapies such as Gestalt, hypnotherapy, rebirthing, travel therapy, craniosacral therapy, etc.

What is the right approach for me?

All of the above-mentioned forms of therapy have different approaches and not all of them are suitable for you. Make sure you ask questions and get a feel for what feels right for you. Talk to other people who have experienced what you are experiencing. Find out about the different approaches, either in books from the library or on the Internet.

Once you feel comfortable with your approach, get some therapist recommendations and give it a try. Just like recommending a restaurant, you want to see if you like what they serve.

The therapeutic alliance with your therapist is paramount to the success of therapy. As a consultant, I tell my clients that they need to feel like they want to work with me, just as I need to feel like I can help them. This is the foundation of any type of work, no matter what the approach.

Alternative practitioner psychotherapy

The best place to find alternative practitioners psychotherapy is in our free alternative practitioner directory. To view all alternative psychotherapy practitioners, please click here.