There are many treatment options available – it’s not just about medication.
Modern treatments for depression are effective.
There is no need for people with this illness to continue struggling with it.
Once a diagnosis of depression has been made, and the client and family have been educated regarding the illness, there are many treatment options available. Based on the diagnosis, treatment is decided on by the client and family – in collaboration with the physician. Note: Depending on where you live, treatments are determined based on resources and availability within the local community.
There are three basic options of treatment:
- Pharmacological (medications)
- Non-pharmacological (no medication)
- Somatic (alternative –used alone or in combination with above)
Myth
Medication is always prescribed for depression.
Fact
Group psychotherapy is a very powerful and effective form of treatment for geriatric depression.
Treatment(s) for different types of depression are thought about in what are called bio-psycho-social terms:
Bio (Physical) treatments:
- Anti-depressants are an intervention to try and change brain chemistry in a positive way.
- Exercise has an impact on us physically and is a remarkably good anti-depressant.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a treatment choice for severe depression that is not responding to medications.
Psycho (Psychological) treatment
- Psychotherapy is an effective treatment. There are a number of talk therapies that can be extremely helpful.
Social treatment
- Isolation is common with depression. Fighting the urge to stay in, and instead making yourself join a group, visit with friends or volunteer can be helpful.