A sense of prolonged sadness and loss of interest are symptoms of depression, a mood illness. Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, affects how you feel, think, and behave and can cause some emotional and physical issues. As a result, you can find it challenging to carry out your daily tasks, and you might occasionally think life isn’t worth living.
There are several different types of therapy for depression. These include Cognitive behavioral therapy, Interpersonal therapy, and medication. Learn about each type of therapy to understand which one may be best for you. There are many benefits to all kinds of treatment. It can even improve your life. If you are suffering from depression, treatment is essential to your recovery.
Interpersonal therapy
If you suffer from depression, you may benefit from interpersonal therapy. This therapy focuses on changes in relationships and is usually delivered over a series of one-hour sessions. The sessions may be extended for up to four more weeks, depending on the severity of your condition. Once they have decided on the areas of concern, the therapist and patient will collaborate to create and implement changes to minimize symptoms.
People with depression often have interpersonal deficits. These deficits can interfere with interpersonal functioning and lead to continued stressful events. Therapy aims to improve these interpersonal relationships and circumstances and treat the depressive symptoms that accompany them. When the treatment is completed, the patient will be back to a level of functioning that was possible before the sessions began.
The therapist will first evaluate the patient’s symptoms. They will also discuss the social history of the patient and their close relationships. Next, the therapist will note any changes in these patterns.
Medication
Medication is a common form of treatment for depression. It effectively reduces depressive symptoms and can be used in combination with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy may include cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Combining these therapies has resulted in more significant improvements in people with complex and severe depression.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors contributing to depression. It is frequently used in conjunction with other types of treatment, like family and marital therapy. Behavioral activation is another therapy that teaches people how to include more pleasant activities in their daily lives. This type of therapy can help reduce the symptoms of depression and restore a person’s energy levels.
Depression is treated with a variety of antidepressants. While SNRIs treat more severe forms of the condition, SSRIs are frequently used for mild depression. Other antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants, can also be prescribed for more severe cases of depression.
Light therapy
Light therapy for depression is a non-medical treatment for depression that helps patients deal with the symptoms of their condition. Although the Food and Drug Administration disapproves of it, this therapy mimics the effects of natural light. During therapy, sunlight is filtered to reduce the amount of ultraviolet light that can be harmful. During this treatment, a particular device is used to provide therapeutic light.
Various commercial light devices are available in the market. Many of them are marketed as having antidepressant effects. But it is important to note that the light produced by these devices may not be as adequate as it is claimed to be because some devices advertise that the 10,000 lux light can be used at a distance of inches, while others might only generate light inches away from the patient. Also, these devices feature a picture of a smiling person using the lightweight device, which could lead to misunderstanding its effects.
If you are considering using this type of light therapy for depression, it is crucial to follow simple guidelines to ensure it works for you. The first step is to choose a device that is comfortable to use. Ensure that the lamp is between 18 to 24 inches from your face. Do not position it too far away from your face, as it could damage your eyes.
