What are the treatments for depression?
Depression is one of those terms that can have a number of different meanings, all of which are quite difficult to identify in medical terms. Anyone who suffers from depression, however, understands its effects, which can range from mild to debilitating.
People who have never suffered from depression tend to think of it as a change in mood, in the way that some people might feel a bit sad or a bit down at times.
People who have had or have depression tend to think of it in a much darker way. Depending upon its severity, depression tends to go much deeper than mere thoughts or feelings and is often described as a type of soul sickness.
The specific causes of depression are not really known, but it is fair to say that there are often many underlying factors that can affect it, such as sexual abuse or other forms of childhood or adult trauma.
Medication
Anyone who is diagnosed with any type of depression may be offered some type of anti-depressant medication as a way of dealing with it. The choice of whether or not to take medication is a very personal one.
In general, there are arguments in favour and against the use of anti-depressants. The arguments in favour tend to relate to anti-depressants having some effect on alleviating the worst cases of depression, which could, in extreme cases, have a life-saving effect.
There are several arguments against medication. Firstly, anti-depressants change someone's brain chemistry without dealing with any underlying trauma that may be causing the depression. Anti-depressants can also have significant side effects, many of which can be severe. Some anti-depressants can also be addictive in the long-term.
In the end, it is a personal choice that individual makes in consultation with their physician, taking all these factors into account.
Counselling
It is important to realise the nature of counselling and what it can and cannot offer. Most types of counselling are non-directive and are intended to create a safe relationship between the counsellor and the client.
It is the safety of the relationship that allows the client to begin to feel safe enough internally to allow them to begin the healing process of any trauma or problems they may have.
As such, counselling can play a major part in helping to treat depression, not literally, but by allowing the client to heal any underlying issues.
Counselling of this nature is normally thought of as a long-term process and requires a commitment by the client to engage with the therapist or counsellor over quite a long period of time.
A client may be on anti-depressants at the same time as having counselling, but should always make sure his counsellor or therapist is fully aware of what medication he or she is taking.
Causes of depression
It is important to be clear that depression is not always linked to trauma. Its causes often remain unknown, and any treatment can vary in terms of its effectiveness. However, counselling of a non-directive nature is likely to have a beneficial effect on the client's sense of self. It is likely to provide some degree of respite from the worst effects of depression.
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