The course of the treatment

It is important to stress that depression can and should be treated. Perhaps you are one of the many people suffering from depression, yet you still don't feel obliged to take sick leave. It may be that you think that the depression is not hindering you much. Or perhaps you do not feel so affected by the depression that you should go to the doctor or a psychiatrist.

If you have been feeling down for some time, we advise you to contact your family doctor. He or she will be able to give you the right treatment or refer you to a practising psychiatrist. If the psychiatrist believes that you are very unwell, he or she may suggest admission to a psychiatric ward. Read more about admission here.

Antidepressants

The primary treatment for moderate to severe depression is antidepressants, possibly in combination with psychotherapy. Many new antidepressants have become available in recent years. These new medicines are much more effective and also kinder than the old medicines. The side-effects are usually mild and temporary. It is also a myth that antidepressants are addictive. Read more about treatment here.

Psychotherapy and other forms of therapy

If you have a mild depression, psychotherapy can be just as effective as medicine during the acute phase. Read more about psychotherapy here.

You should also remember that depression is a benign mental condition which will pass. If you receive the right treatment, you will normally take a few weeks to recover. If you are admitted, it is a good idea to undergo ergotherapy and/or physiotherapy.

If you are at home, you can find activities that you enjoy, either on your own or with a member of your family and/or friends. You can start by planning a physically enjoyable daily activity.

The aim is for you to structure your day. By keeping active, you will find it easier to get though your day, and you will not have as many negative thoughts. Negative thoughts start a vicious spiral. Negative thoughts also give rise to unease and tension.

Be patient

Antidepressants only start to take effect after at least a couple of weeks. But they then work quickly. The first couple of weeks can be very difficult to get through. You may start to doubt whether the doctor was telling you the truth when he explained the effects of the medicine to you.

Of course the doctor was telling the truth! But everyone who is treated with antidepressants should be patient. It can be difficult, and you will therefore need maximum support and encouragement during this period.