Living with depression can be debilitating, and depending on the severity of depression, some people find it very difficult or nearly impossible to keep up with day to day tasks. If you are battling depression, you don't have to suffer alone. There are a number of different treatment options that can help alleviate your depression so you can enjoy your life. Some treatment options for depression include the following:

Medication

There are a number of different prescription medications available that are effective in the treatment of depression. The exact medication that you will be prescribed will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing and the severity of your depression. If you are suffering from moderate to severe depression, your primary care physician may give you a prescription directly or refer you to a psychiatrist for more specialized care.

One important thing to note is the fact that prescription medication is not an instant cure for depression. Different medications and dosages affect people differently, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect medication or combination of medications to treat your depression. You can count on your doctor to work closely with you to find the best medication for you.

Psychotherapy

In most cases, medication and psychotherapy are used together to help treat depression. During psychotherapy sessions, a licensed mental health professional works with a person one-on-one to identify emotions, behaviors, and ideas that may play a part in the depression that they are experiencing. Psychotherapy can be very useful in helping a person recognize problems from their past or issues currently going on that may be contributing to their depression.

There is no set course of treatment when it comes to psychotherapy and depression-- you and your therapist can work together to figure out when weekly sessions are no longer needed.

Alternative Treatments

While medication and psychotherapy tend to be the most popular forms of treatment for depression, some people find success with alternative treatments that promote stress reduction and relaxation. Some popular alternative treatments for depression include yoga, acupuncture, biofeedback, guided imagery, hypnosis, and massage.

Alternative treatments for depression have not been scientifically studied, but in many cases these treatments may be effective for mild depression, but not moderate or severe depression. Before relying on alternative treatments for depression, please make sure that you speak with your doctor. Depending on the severity of your depression, alternative treatments may be a good complement to psychotherapy and/or medication. 

For more information and help with your depression, contact a counseling center in your area, such as Dr Kuris Counseling Centers.