Depression

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of therapy that a therapist may use are:

 Cognitive behavioral therapy: which helps a person to see how their behaviors and the way they think about things play a role in their depression

 Interpersonal therapy: which focuses on a person’s relationships with other people and how they are affected by them.

 Problem-solving therapy: which focuses on the specific problems that a person may have.

Besides therapy, there are medications that one may take to help treat their depression. Medicines that are prescribed for depression are referred to as antidepressants. Some of these types of antidepressants are Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Brintellix, Effexor, Wellbutrin, and Cymbalta. Side effects from these medications may include upset stomach, sexual problems, insomnia, dizziness, change in weight, headaches, anxiety, constipation, dry mouth drowsiness and fatigue. Another treatment is available for those who are resistant to multiple medications. It is call electroconvulsive therapy or ECT. According to WebMD, this treatment is recommended when depression symptoms are very severe or when people haven’t been helped by medicines or therapy. During this type of treatment, the patient is put to sleep with the use of general anesthesia. The doctor then applies a small electric current to cause a brief controlled seizure. A course of ECT-induced seizures done over a few weeks, seems to affect areas of the brain involved in controlling mood. WebMD states that ECT tends to work very quickly and that it also works well, (about 70%-90% of people who receive it, show improvement.) The most common side effect of electroconvulsive therapy is temporary memory loss.

Although depression may be hard to deal with, it is possible to overcome within time. There are different treatment options to choose from and several types of medications available. I was diagnosed with depression when I was 15 years old, today I am 37 years old…. I have finally overcome depression. I will be honest and tell you that it was a constant struggle for years. But, after I found myself some help, and learned about what I could do in order to help myself daily, I now live my life happy and to the fullest.