Cures For Depression: What Treatment Is Best For My Mental Health?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a medical condition that can manifest differently in each individual. Depression (major depressive disorder) can keep us from doing the things we love and can affect our mental and physical health in several ways. While there may not necessarily be cures for depression, there are treatments available that have proven to be effective. Below, we’ll look at the types of depression and the treatments available for those experiencing them:

Symptoms

If you or someone you love is experiencing depression (major depressive disorder), it may help to know the most common symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with depression may experience some, if not all, of the following symptoms:

• Sadness or persistent negative thoughts
• A consistent “low” mood
• Changes in eating
• Weight changes
• Lack of energy
• Increased tendency to misuse alcohol, medication, and other drugs
• Changes in sleep or trouble sleeping
• Inability to concentrate
• Unable to make any decisions
• Little to no interest in many aspects of life

Although there is not necessarily a catch-all cure for depression (major depressive disorder), there is hope for anyone experiencing it. With the proper treatment, the symptoms can be managed. Treatment usually works differently for everyone and may need to be adjusted regularly for the best outcome.

Treatments for depressive disorder

There are a few different treatment options when it comes to depression. These may be used in combination with one another and need to be monitored to make sure that they are not making your depression worse. The two most common include talk therapy and medication.

Psychotherapy

All types of depression can be treated, at least in part, with psychotherapy. Types of psychotherapy or talk therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, or psychodynamic therapy. In psychotherapy, you can talk to a licensed mental health professional and begin working through your concerns. Therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly alter your mental health and emotional well-being. They may also help you with other mental disorders, such as substance use disorder, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression). People experiencing these disorders may also struggle with major depressive disorder.

Other alternative treatments, such as brain stimulation therapies that your psychotherapist can perform, include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Research and clinical trials show that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is especially effective for people dealing with treatment-resistant depression, while electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is commonly used for the treatment of severe depression. Electroconvulsive therapy is more invasive than transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, since it involves a brief electrical stimulation of the patient's brain.

If you do not have traditional, in-person counselors nearby, you may want to consider online counseling platforms like BetterHelp, where you can speak with a licensed counselor on your schedule from the location of your choice.

Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating depression. A study done by the Berkeley Well-Being Institute found BetterHelp to be effective for depression, as evidenced by a significant reduction in depression symptoms. 

Medication

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a type of antidepressant medication that may treat major depression by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain (serotonin is associated with happiness). However, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other prescribed medications can cause side effects. Therefore, it is always best to consult with your primary doctor or psychiatrist before taking antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Other things you can do

Adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing depression sometimes feel unmotivated to complete routine tasks. However, there are some things you can try to do at home that may help manage the symptoms of depression. These options are not official depression treatments, but they may be positive ways to address some of your depression symptoms.

• If you can, consider engaging in a physical activity a few times a week. Studies show that exercise can be an effective treatment option for depression symptoms, while more research suggests that it can also improve your physical health.
• Take time for yourself when you feel overwhelmed. Even if it’s doing something simple like taking a bath or reading a book, a small diversion might make a difference in how you feel.
• Get proper sleep. Your body needs enough sleep to renew itself each night, and a lack of sleep can make the symptoms of depression worse.
• Avoid alcohol and harmful substances. Alcohol and substance misuse can have a drastic effect on your mood. It can be helpful to reduce your intake or abstain from substance use completely if you intend to alleviate your depression symptoms. 
• Maintain a healthy diet. Choosing to eat healthy foods can provide you with the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to combat the negative effects of depression. A balanced diet may also prevent the onset of other medical conditions.
• Socialize. For some people, being social is not very appealing when they’re feeling depressed, but social interaction for a little while may help.
• Join support groups. There may be groups in your area or online specifically designed to bring together and support people experiencing depression. Try searching for groups close to your home or ask your therapist about support groups they recommend. 

The most common types of depression

Effectively diagnosing different types of depression isn’t always simple, and it’s possible to have a combination of types of depression at once. The following are some common types of depression:

If you are experiencing major depressive disorder, you may have regular feelings of sadness or despair. It often affects a person’s daily life and can result in poor work performance, relationship problems, and other complications. If you experience major depressive disorder, it may help to seek treatment from a doctor or mental health professional as soon as you can, especially since the first few weeks of treatment are often crucial, particularly when using antidepressants.

Atypical depression

Atypical depression, also called major depression with atypical features, is a type of depression that has symptoms different from those of typical depression. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, symptoms may include increased appetite, leaden paralysis, and temporary mood improvement.

Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia, is typically a less severe form of depression, but it still can affect your daily life in several ways. It tends to involve the same symptoms as a major depressive disorder, but it is generally long-term and less severe. A person with persistent depressive disorder may experience low self-esteem and difficulty carrying out daily activities.

Bipolar depression

With this kind of depression, a person may experience periods of manic high energy alternating with periods of extreme depression.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder is typically characterized by periods of depression during the late fall/early winter and usually subsides during spring and summer.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

While it is not a type of general depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder is classified as a depressive disorder within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Common symptoms include intense mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression.

Risk factors

There isn’t a single official cause of depression, but there are potential high-risk factors for developing it.

• Genetics: Having a relative with depression may increase your likelihood of developing it.
• Brain chemistry: Alterations in the chemistry of the brain may influence depression.
• Personality: People who experience a sense of low self-worth or self-esteem may be more susceptible to depression.
• Traumatic life events: Sometimes, traumatic events in a person’s life can lead to depression. For example, the death of a loved one, exposure to combat, or a devastating natural disaster may lead to symptoms of depression.