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Can Depression Be Treated Psychologically and with Medication?

Depression has afflicted people since the beginning of time. It starts in the mind, but it can also cause physical symptoms that can affect your quality of life. Since depression is a mental health condition that can impact both your mental and physical well-being, it is important to understand the different ways that depression can be treated. God created the mind to work in intricate ways and to have the ability to be restored—and that includes the ability to overcome depression.

At Honey Lake Clinic, we understand how difficult it can be to battle depression. That’s why we are committed to helping our patients find the best treatment plan for their condition. By taking an approach that involves the mind, body, and spirit, we’re able to provide the most comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your depression.

Call 888.428.0562 today to learn more about depression treatment in Florida at Honey Lake Clinic.

Why Are Both Psychological and Medication-Based Treatments Important?

Psychological treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), help people to recognize negative thoughts and feelings, challenge these thought patterns, and learn how to manage difficult emotions. This type of treatment focuses on helping people change their thinking patterns in order to improve their mood. Psychotherapy can also help by building relationships with supportive people and learning skills to manage stress. Decision-making is an important part of this approach to treatment, as it allows people to explore their options and make life changes that can be beneficial for their mental health.

Medication-based treatments are also important for depression treatment. Medication is often used in combination with psychological treatments to help improve symptoms of depression. Antidepressants can be prescribed to help balance chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Sometimes, medication alone can be enough if a person’s depression is mild or moderate. It is important to talk with a medical doctor about the right dosage and duration of treatment.

Decision-Making Treatment for Depression

One thing that leads to depression is when things that happened in the past create blocks in the circuitry of the brain. To correct those blocks, you need guidance from a psychologist or psychiatrist. You will learn how to make decisions from a place of reality rather than from our past.

The most powerful thing you can do to change your brain chemistry is to improve your decision-making skills. By working with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, you can improve your brain chemistry and circuitry function. These functions help you work your decision-making muscles for the longest-lasting effect of any treatment.

Decision-making must be used regularly to build strong skills. It is like building your muscles by lifting weights; over time, you see big improvements in your strength. As you work your decision-making muscles from a proper perspective, you can make appropriate decisions.

Depression Treatment with Medication

Medications are used along with other therapies to reduce symptoms and increase effectiveness. Some of the most commonly used types of medication for depression include:

  • Antidepressants – These are the most prescribed type of medicine for depression. They are helpful about 70% of the time and have minimal side effects. Common ones include Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Cymbalta, and Wellbutrin.
  • Antipsychotics – These are prescribed for severe cases of depression. They often help to reduce confusion, irritability, and delusions in some people. Common ones include Risperdal, Abilify, Latuda, Seroquel, and Zyprexa.
  • Mood stabilizers – These medicines can help reduce depression or bipolar disorder symptoms. Common ones include lithium, Depakote, Tegretol, Lamictal, and Trileptal.
  • Antidepressant augmentors – These medications can help increase the effectiveness of an antidepressant. Common ones include bupropion (Wellbutrin), buspirone (Buspar), and trazodone (Desyrel).

Alternative treatments are more natural options. The ones with good scientific data supporting their benefit to alleviate depression are St. John’s Wort, omega-3 fatty acids, SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine), Vitamin D, folate, zinc, saffron, and 5-HTP (5hydroxytryptophan). While these treatments may be helpful, they should always be discussed with a doctor before taking them, especially if you are already taking medications for depression.

The best approach to treating depression is to take a comprehensive approach that takes into account the effects of depression on the mind, body, and spirit. A combination of medication, psychological treatment, and alternative approaches can help you find the relief that you need. Through God’s grace and the help of qualified professionals, you can be restored to better health.

Discover Depression Treatment from Honey Lake Clinic

At Honey Lake Clinic, we understand the unique challenges that come with depression. Our team of experienced doctors and psychologists is committed to helping patients find relief from their symptoms through a comprehensive treatment approach. We take into account your individualized needs in order to craft a plan tailored to you. From medication management to psychological treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, our team is here to provide the best depression treatment in Florida.

If you or someone you love is suffering from depression, reach out to us today at 888.428.0562 and learn more about how we can help. We are here for you every step of the way on your journey to recovery.