If you or a loved one has depression you will be looking for ways to help that suits you and your family. There is not just one way, so make sure you get all the information you need to make the best choice for you.
General practitioner (GP)
The first step for many people experiencing depression is their GP, the trusted family doctor. Once you explain to your GP how you're feeling and what is going on in your life, he or she will most probably ask you a set of questions to establish whether your symptoms are pointing in the direction of depression or some other health concerns. As a result of this, he might suggest medication (antidepressants) or refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or other therapist dealing with depression, depending on what suits you most.
Medication
Remember that taking medication is a really personal decision and some people prefer to try without. If you feel that your GP is biased and wants to persuade you to some form of treatment that does not fit, find someone to give you a second opinion.
Medications treat the biological component of the illness. The treatment for depression however needs to be collaborative and include psychological components as well as biological. Make sure you choose therapists who work in collaboration with each other.
Psychological support
There are various forms of therapy that can be helpful for treating depression: psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), counselling and other alternative therapies like gestalt, hypnotherapy, rebirthing, journey therapy, cranio sacral therapy etc.
What the right approach for me?
All of the above mentioned forms of therapy have different approaches and not all are suited to you. Make sure you ask questions and get a sense of what feels right for you. Talk to other people you know who have experienced what you are experiencing now. Read up on the different approaches, either in books from the library or on the Internet.
Once you feel comfortable in your choice of approach get some referrals for therapists and try it out. Just like with a recommendation of a restaurant you will want to check whether you like what they serve.
The therapeutic alliance with your therapist is of utmost importance for the success of the therapy. As a counsellor I say to my clients that they have to feel that they want to work with me as much as I need to feel that I can help them. This is the basis of any kind of work, no matter what the approach is.
Want to know more? Have a look at my blog.
Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Therapy' on Sydney's Northern Beaches and specialises in 'relationship related issues'. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.
Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com and sign up for our newsletter today.
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