Are you being treated?
If you suffer from depression you must get treatment. It's important to remember that:
Depression can and must be treated
Perhaps you are one of the many people who suffer from depression, but you don't feel that you need to take time off work. Perhaps you feel that the illness is not that debilitating in your case. Perhaps you feel that it is not serious enough for you to go to your doctor or an acute psychiatric unit.
The consequences of inadequate treatment of depression are:
- Reduced quality of life
- Limited opportunities for self-expression
- Less chance of making the most of your potential
Failure to treat depression will result in a loss not only for you, but also for your friends, family and society in general.
Are you on antidepressants?
Antidepressants are the main treatment for moderate to severe depression.
Many new antidepressants have been launched in recent years and are the result of many years' of intensive research into depression.
There is now a whole range of different medications that treat the symptoms of depression very effectively and are more tolerable than the medications used in the past.
The side effects are generally mild and temporary. It is also a myth that antidepressants are addictive. Read more about antidepressants.
Have you seen your doctor?
If you've been feeling depressed for some time we would advise you to go and see your doctor. He or she can either offer you the treatment you need or refer you to a psychiatric specialist. If the psychiatrist feels that you are suffering from severe depression, he or she may want to admit you to a psychiatric ward.
Have you seen a psychologist?
If you are suffering from mild depression, psychotherapy may be just as effective as medication during the acute phase.
Mild depression can be treated with psychotherapy. But if you suffer from moderate to severe depression, your treatment should comprise a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants.
Psychotherapy should be combined with antidepressants if you have suffered clear psychosocial distress during your life and this is still affecting you. The timing of psychotherapy depends largely on how you feel. Sometimes it may be necessary to wait until your medication takes effect before psychotherapy is started. Read more about psychotherapy.
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Do you feel alone?
Please remember that you are not alone in suffering from depression. However, it is common when you are very down to feel that you are the only person in the world who has this illness.
It is important that you tell your family and friends that you are suffering from depression. This puts them in a better position to:
- Understand your reactions
- Support and help you
In addition to your partner, you should also let your older children know that you are suffering from depression. We suggest that you tell them that you are not your "normal self" at the moment. You should also let them know that you still love them but that you don't have the strength to express your feelings. Your doctor or therapist can help you deal with your children and your partner.
Remember that depression is a recognized mental condition that passes. With the right medication, you should recover in a matter of weeks.
Are you active?
If you have been admitted to hospital it's a good idea to go for occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy. If you're at home, choose enjoyable activities to do on your own or with a member of your family. The aim is to structure your day, and planning activities will:
- Help you to get through each day more easily
- Help reduce the number of negative thoughts you have
Negative thoughts trigger a vicious circle and result in worry and tension. Read more about negative thoughts.
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