Treatment
If you were concerned that you or someone close to you had something seriously wrong with them, such as a stomach ulcer, a bad heart or cancer, what would you do?
- Wait until it passes?
- Try to pull yourself together and forget it?
- Go to your doctor?
Fortunately most people go to the doctor sooner or later. It is better to go sooner rather than later. The same applies to depression. Unfortunately, many people wait too long before going to the doctor with a physical illness, and even more people wait too long to seek treatment for depression. The earlier you start your treatment, the more effective the treatment will be.
When you know the symptoms of depression, the treatment can start early. And remember that family and friends are often the first to notice the onset of depression.
The treatment of depression has greatly improved over the years, and the treatment options available today are excellent. Read more about treatment here.
One of the other advantages of going to the doctor when you are suffering from depression is that you will be seen by a professional who knows what depression is and what can be done. You will also be able to get professional support and help for social and other problems.
By starting your treatment for depression, you will begin to feel better and you will eventually recover. You will also put less strain on those closest to you. And if you are considering trying one of the various types of psychotherapy, you should know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression and can also prevent relapses.
Do not stop too soon
Surveys have shown that well under half of patients complete four weeks of treatment, and more than half are still depressed when they stop their treatment.
It will harm both you and those around you if you stop your treatment too early. If you have suffered from depression, you will be at risk of relapses, because depression unfortunately has a tendency to return. About 12% of people who have suffered from depression will have recurring depression. We also now know that depression can worsen heart disease and other serious physical illnesses. Depression may perhaps also increase the risk of getting a serious physical illness.