Treatment for Depression

There are several ways treatment for depression can occur depending on the severity of the illness. Basically, if you are not dangerous to yourself or anyone else, and you are not having hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that are not really there) then your depression treatment can be done on an outpatient basis. This would likely consist of weekly sessions with a pychotherapist for counseling and perhaps a consultation with a psychiatrist for a medication evalutation.

If, on the other hand, you are dangerous to yourself or others, or you are having hallucinations, it may be necessary to admit you to an inpatient psychiatric treatment center so that you can be kept safe.

In a treatment facility, you will be evaluated by the staff and treated for your depression with group,individual and possibly family therapy. A psychiatrist will also evaluate and assess your health and whether or not medication would be helpful.

Many people are afraid of going to a treatment facility, but it can be very beneficial to have you evaluated round-the-clock and to get constant treatment through a variety of group therapies. The doctor can see how you respond to medication and any needed changes can be made immediately. Also, seeing how you behave on a daily basis can give your counselors valuable information that they can use to help you in your treatment.

There are also different treatment approaches that have less to do with where the treatment takes place (inpatient or outpatient)and more to do with the philosophy and techniques that are used.

One of the most effective treatments for depression is called cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy teaches you how cognitive distortions, or irrational and unreasonable thoughts, lead to depression. The therapist then helps you identify your cognitive distortions and teaches you how to dispute them and prove them wrong.

Return from Treatment For Depression to Anxiety and Depression Help