According to the latest statistics, approximately 80% of people with depression do not get treatment of any kind. This is extremely sad considering all the different treatments for depression that could improve lives. One reason for this is fear and embarrassment that goes along with this mental disorder but another reason has to do with a lack of education or knowledge of the condition. In other words, of the people not getting treatment, many are not even sure the symptoms lived with are associated with depression.
For this reason, we wanted to provide information about symptoms commonly linked to this condition, followed by a list of the best treatments for depression now being offered. Of course, if an individual were to experience any of the symptoms listed, felt down and out for several days without let up, or at any point had thoughts of doing physical harm, immediate medical attention would be warranted.
Symptoms of Depression
Keep in mind that exact symptoms, as well as the intensity of those symptoms would be unique to the exact type of depression from which a person suffers but with the list below, it would be easier for a person to recognize a potential problem associated with this kind of mental disorder.
- Trouble with concentration
- Not remembering details
- Poor decision-making ability
- Increased fatigue and reduced level of energy
- Change in sleep patterns whether insomnia, sleeping too much, or waking early in the morning hours
- Sense of helplessness and hopelessness
- Overwhelming worthlessness and guilt
- Noted irritability and mood changes
- Persistent headaches, muscle cramps, constipation, and/or diarrhea
- Loss of interest in social settings, hobbies, or physical activities
- Diet changes whether overeating or poor appetite
- Chronic sense of anxiety, sadness, and/or feeling empty inside
- Thoughts of doing harm or even death specific to self or other people
Remember, many people have taken their own lives as a direct result of this problem and not seeking appropriate treatments for depression. Therefore, if any of the following were seen by the individual or something close to this person, urgent medical care would be mandatory.
- Feeling of sadness that suddenly changes to calmness and even happiness
- Death becoming a constant thought or something often discussed
- Taking great risk without consideration of potential harm or even death
- Sleep, appetite, and concentration levels worsening
- Giving away prized personal possessions as if preparing for something
- Making special trips to see family and friends to say goodbye
- Talking about wanting to die or give up
Treatment Options for Getting Help
In addition to antidepressants and other medications, there are a number of excellent treatments for depression as indicated with the information provided below.
Electroconvulsive Therapy – Also known as ECT, this was at one time referred to as “shock therapy.” While earlier methods seemed somewhat barbaric, the way this treatment is performed today is much different. In addition, ECT is considered one of the highly effective treatments for depression, something that a person might benefit from by undergoing once or something needed for a period of time for full recovery.
Psychotherapy – This type of treatment consists of a person with depression meeting with a licensed therapist whereby stressors could be identified, discussed, and worked through. The key to this treatment being effective is for the right professional to be chosen according to the underlying problem. For instance, someone having serious family issues would need to seek help from a family psychotherapist whereby someone going through work or health-related issues would do best by seeing an individual psychotherapist. Depending on the outcome of analysis, the psychotherapist might prescribe or change medication.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation – Yet another one of the treatments for depression, this treatment known as TMS, involves a device capable of producing a magnetic field whereby smaller electric currents in a certain part of the brain is induced. Unlike ECT where an individual would be sedated, this particular treatment does not require use of anesthesia nor would the person go into seizures. Typically, someone living with a milder form of depression or the person who did not get much relief from medication would be an ideal candidate for TMS.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation – The acronym for this treatment is VNS, which has been shown to be beneficial in situations whereby other more conventional treatments for depression have been unsuccessful. In this case, a small device that resembles a pacemaker would be implanted within the individual’s body so regular electrical impulses could be delivered to the vagus nerve. This nerve is responsible for getting information to and from the brain so optimal function is imperative.