Depression is a disease that affects a huge amount of people around the world. The UK, in turn, is not exempt from the “evil of the century”, contemplating the highest number of cases of the disorder in all over the UK were recorded. Despite much talk about the disease, not everyone knows that there are treatments for depression. In the following article, you will come to know about depression therapy in London which we use to help the clients.
Misinformation stems from the fact that, for many years, depression was treated as a taboo. The disorder was not well understood by people and patients with psychological disorders were treated like crazy.
Advances in medicine have already changed this reality a lot, but there is still much to be done. Psychological illnesses face several prejudices that need to be deconstructed. It is necessary to talk about depression without fear or shame, as well as its possible treatments.
What are the main treatments for depression?
Each depressive painting needs to be evaluated by a specialist doctor, because only then will it be possible to understand the severity and what is the most appropriate treatment. In addition, there is no pre-established time for the treatments , and it is necessary to evaluate the evolution of the patient’s case and adjust as necessary.
Next, let’s get to know some of the main treatments for depression, but always remember to consult your doctor before making any decision.
Psychotherapy
In cases of mild depression, only psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for the illness. This does not mean that it is not indicated in more severe depression. All sorts of depressed people need psychotherapy since its focus is on alleviating the underlying emotional issues that have contributed to their condition.
Throughout the sessions, the patient will be encouraged to reflect on the root of their anguish and fears and exercise self-knowledge in a profound way. Psychotherapy must be carried out by a specialized professional, who will evaluate which is the best approach for the patient’s needs.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches to treating depression because it is focused on the present and problem solving.
The work is medium or long term, and can last for months or years. In addition, it is worth mentioning that psychotherapy is not only indicated for people with depression, after all, we all have conflicts and internal issues to work with a psychologist.
Medication
Every patient with depression should consult a psychiatrist, as he will be able to indicate whether or not there is a need for medication to treat the disease. Antidepressant medications are indicated, mainly, in cases of moderate or severe depression, but this assessment is only up to the psychiatrist.
Medications are very important, because their role is to replace brain neurotransmitters that are missing when the person is in depression, among them we can mention serotonin and noradrenaline (they improve well-being and mood).
As previously mentioned, the duration of treatment for depression can vary and this also impacts the time that the person will need to take medication. There are cases from 6 months to several years. The healing process is very individual.
Deprexis interactive experience
Not everyone knows, but the deprexis is:
therapeutic web-based experience for treating depression that is interactive, individual, and easy to use. deprexis® is fundamentally based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).”
The program is approved by ANVISA and its objective is for the patient to carry out a self-analysis of their symptoms. When registering, the person has access to questions about how they are feeling and, when answering, they receive solutions to their everyday problems.
To access deprexis, you need to enter your doctor’s CRM number. Furthermore, the use of the program does not exclude the traditional form of treatment for depression, with psychotherapy and the possibility of medication. It is, however, a complementary treatment that can be very interesting to experience throughout the process.
Natural treatments
They do not replace medical treatment and the need for psychotherapy and medication, but natural treatments can contribute and help bring positive results over time.
- Regular practice of exercises: stimulation of pleasure and well-being;
- Intake of foods rich in omega 3: salmon, sardines and walnut seeds are some examples;
- Ingestion of foods rich in vitamins B and D: chicken and eggs, for example, help to dissipate mental and physical fatigue;
- Drinking grape, passion fruit and apple juice: they all help calm and fight mental and physical fatigue.
- Alternative treatments
Yoga, Reiki, acupuncture and meditation are great alternative treatments that can help with depression. Each in its own way, all provide relaxation and a sense of well-being. The benefits will come if practiced regularly.
In addition, other activities such as painting, reading and dancing can also help in the fight against depression, relieving stress and anxiety .
- Electroshocks
Very serious cases in which there is no improvement through other treatments may require brain electroshock (or electroconvulsive therapy) which, in a painless and controlled manner, help to reorganize brain activity.
Normally, the patient receives this type of electroconvulsive therapy two to three times a week, accounting for a total of 6 to 12 sessions. However, according to the Ministry of Health, treatment is an option in very particular cases, such as in situations of high risk of suicide, catatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Unlike fleeting sadness, which is normal and affects people several times throughout their lives, depression is a permanent state of sadness and melancholy.
In order to be aware of what you feel and also how the people around you are doing, it is important to be clear about what the symptoms of depression are, as they are not limited to sadness. Also, depending on the level of depression, some symptoms may be milder or more acute.
Among them, we can mention:
- Depressed mood;
- Sadness;
- Apathy (does not feel pleasure in carrying out activities that previously provided joy);
- Energy loss;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Low self-esteem ;
- Constant feelings of guilt;
- Thoughts about death and suicide;
- Self-mutilation;
- Sleep changes.
Prevention is the best cure for depression
The numbers are alarming all over the world, but it is always very important to emphasize that there are cures, treatments for depression and how to prevent the disease. The best way to fight the disorder before it even gives the first signs is by cultivating a healthy lifestyle, practising physical exercises and taking care of the mind!
Therapy can be your great ally in the quest for a more balanced everyday life. If you are looking for a psychologist, count on Vittude! Find a specialized professional right now to start your therapy sessions.
