How to Treat Depression Through Therapy

Nearly every single person experiences some form of depression during his life. Just as there are many different causes of depression, there are also several different ways of treating it. Therapy can be a highly effective way to treat depression because it avoids many of the side effects caused by prescription medications.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Support group
• Therapist

1. Talk to your therapist about the possible causes of your depression. She will likely ask you about changes in your life that you've experienced lately.
2. Speak with you therapist about depression factors in your life that you have control over. Some factors, like not getting enough exercise, you can control. Other factors, like losing a job or going through a divorce, can only be mitigated.
3. Try hypnosis with your therapist. Once you are hypnotized, your therapist will get you to visualize a happier life for yourself. The hope is that with repeated hypnosis sessions, some of the visualizations will carry over into your regular life.
4. Take the medications prescribed by your therapist. These medicines come in various potencies and will be tailored to your individual needs by your therapist.
5. Follow your therapist's advice. Talking about your depression can only get you so far. Working through depression with therapy can only be successful if you make a conscious effort to make certain changes in your life.
6. Continue to see your therapist. You should be meeting with him at least every other week, if not weekly. Don't be afraid to tell him that certain treatments aren't working for you.
7. Consider joining group therapy sessions to meet people who understand what you're going through. The National Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance website has links to support groups around the country where you can vent your feelings and find solace (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Meet with several different therapists before committing to regular meetings with one of them. It is not offensive to ask for a second opinion. You need to find a therapist that you are comfortable talking to on a regular basis.
• If you are having trouble staying motivated to follow your therapist's advice, ask a friend or family member to make sure that you are doing what your therapist has recommended.
• Therapy can be expensive. Try to find a therapist that is covered by your health plan.
• Be sure that your therapist is authorized to prescribe medications. It is good to talk about your depression, but sometimes doctors prefer to supplement therapy with medication to treat depression more fully. A therapist who can give you a prescription will save you a trip to your normal doctor.

Who Can Help: