Depression is an increasingly common disorder in modern-day America, and its ever-growing status has caused a growth in the amount of time researchers devote to finding new and improved ways to counteract its effects. Amongst the most effective ways to combat depression are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), antidepressant medication, and in particularly severe occasions, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
Cognitive Behavior Therapy is typically the first step taken towards recovery from depression and allows patients to keep thoughts of self-harm at bay as well as combat behaviors related to poor concentration. Because of its lack of side-effects, CBT is recommended to people with all forms of depression, no matter how mild or severe the effects may be.
Antidepressant medication is also a viable option for people struggling with this disorder. However, it is not recommended as the first line of treatment for anybody that does not have severe depression. Despite it being one of the most effective ways to combat depression, the side-effects and the potential necessity to try out different types to find one that is best suited for the patient can be a physically taxing process. This is not to say that people should not take antidepressants, but rather that it is better to try alternative strategies prior to resorting to medication.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a sort of the last line of defense when it comes to treatment for depression. It is typically reserved for people who cannot take medication for some sort of medical reason, those who have attempted suicide or refuse to eat, or for someone that has psychotic symptoms. ECT involves having a psychiatrist apply mini-electrical currents to the scalp to produce a quasi-seizure in the brain. This method is arguably the safest and quickest acting but is best coupled with CBT and medication to prevent a relapse from occurring.
Other proven ways to help combat depression are engaging in productive activities such as physical exercise and educating oneself over the topic. Engaging in productive activities is a key element because often people battling with depression will fall into a vicious cycle of lacking motivation to do anything. This will in turn makes them feel worse about themselves since they cease all forms of productive activities and begin to buy into the thoughts that they are worthless. The final key component in battling depression is education because it allows people to gain a better understanding of their disorder and therefore places them in a position where they have more control over it, effectively lessening the feelings of helplessness.
Contact Falcone Center today to schedule your appointment. Our team is ready and willing to help you battle any mental challenges you may be facing; you don’t have to do it alone. We have locations in Bala Cynwyd, PA, as well as Maple Shade and Lambertville, NJ.