In order for things to get better, you are going to have to take action. The first step towards recovery is to seek appropriate treatment. Appropriate treatment for depression is medication, psychotherapy or both. No matter what type of treatment you choose, you will be asked to "get active" in your treatment. Medications only work if you take them as directed and let your doctor know how things are going. Psychotherapy only works if you're willing to do some hard work.
Healthy living habits may also help you to overcome depression. Exercise, a proper and balanced diet, moderate use of caffeine and alcohol, and learning how to reduce stress are important. In order to make these kinds of changes, you will need to do some work.
The help and support of family and friends can be an important part of recovery. Friends and family can also play an active role in the treatment process. However, if you want support and help, you have to be willing to ask for it.
Medication and Therapy Compliance
Treatments for MDD work well. However, treatments for MDD do not work right away. It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks before people notice that things are getting better.
If your doctor prescribes medication, take it as prescribed. It's important for you to let your doctor know if you have any problems or side effects. It's also important to let your doctor know if the medication is working. If the medication is not working after 4 to 8 weeks, don't give up. Talk to your doctor again. There are likely other options including increasing the dose or switching medications. If the medication seems to be working, make sure to tell your doctor that too.
Your doctor needs to know what is going well and what is going not so well. Communication between you and your doctor is extremely important. Keeping detailed records of your symptoms and sharing that information with your can help you get the best results possible.
If you are involved in psychotherapy you'll be asked to do a lot of work. For example, in CBT and CBASP you'll be asked to set goals for treatment and you'll be asked to do "homework" that helps you to work toward your goals. You'll be asked to keep detailed records of your symptoms, to record what you are doing and feeling, and to record what you're thinking about when you feel depressed. You'll be asked to share all of this with your therapist.
Treatment for MDD is hard work. However, the only way for you to recover and get back to your life is to get active.
What kind of treatment are you currently following?
Faryal - Health Educator
