Help for Depression: Finding the Right Treatment

There is a common misconception that depression is a deep sadness. The truth is that depression is a severe medical condition. It is a condition that can affect an individual in many ways. There are physical, emotional, and mental effects of depression. Persistent sadness is an indicator but not the only symptom individuals experience. Help for depression begins with learning how to identify the symptoms.

There are so many factors that play a part in depression. Individuals who suffer from depression often find that it is part of their genetics and that other family members have fought the same battle. Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of individuals who suffer from depression. This could be related to health issues, stress, and grief that have been so prevalent since the pandemic.

The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. – Deuteronomy 31:8, NASB

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Identifying the signs of depression

As stated before, sadness isn’t the only sign of depression. It is one of the most common signs that is prevalent among individuals who struggle with depression. The most common signs of depression to look for are:

• Insomnia or sleeping too much.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Changes in eating habits (not intentional dieting).
• Feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.
• Lack of interest in previous likes.
• Feeling fatigued.

If an individual has been experiencing at least five of these symptoms for the last two weeks on a daily or even semi-daily basis, they may be struggling with depression. Once the signs have been identified the next step is to connect with a local Christian counselor.

Help for depression: conventional treatment options

The comforting news about depression is that there are treatment plans available to help. Help for depression may depend on the underlying issues and the severity of depression. Christian counselors are available to help define which treatment plan will work best for each individual.

Talk therapy/psychotherapy

There are a few different styles of psychotherapy that can be used in the treatment of depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT):

This is the most common talk therapy used in most treatment plans for depression. This talk therapy focuses on how to change negative thought processes.

Behavioral Activation Therapy:

With behavioral activation therapy the focus is on reversing the spiral of depression through the use of encouraging the individual to seek out experiences and activities that create a sense of happiness.

Problem-Solving Therapy:

The use of this therapy is to teach skills that can help solve real-life problems that can cause stress that contributes to depression. This is a form of CBT.

Interpersonal Therapy:

This type of therapy is structured and time-limited. The main focus is to identify and improve problematic relationships or situations that are related to the depressive mood.

Self-Management/Self-Control Therapy:

The plan for this type of therapy treatment is to train the individual to reduce the negative reactions and reduce behaviors of self-punishment.

Psychodynamic Therapy:

Also known as psychoanalytic therapy, this type of treatment involves treating depression that may have been caused by an unresolved conflict in childhood.

Family Constellation Therapy:

Through the use of this therapy, family behaviors that could be contributing to depression can be identified. This is a group therapy technique that can help identify ancestral trauma or other childhood hurts.

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT):

Along with CBT, this therapy incorporates mindfulness and meditation. The biggest difference is that MBCT helps individuals learn how to use mindfulness to detach from negative thought processes.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)”

This behavior therapy is most commonly used with individuals who also struggle with personality disorder but it is beneficial in the treatment of depression. This type of therapy teaches how to manage emotions, tolerate distress, communicate, and be more mindful.

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR):

When using EMDR for depression there must be a trained therapist present. This therapy is mostly used for trauma but can be helpful to those who struggle with depression.

Medications

The most common type of medication used for treating depression is called antidepressants. They are safe and effective when used as prescribed. A Christian therapist can help with identifying which medication would work best. It is also important to understand that not every medication works the same for each person.

Help for depression: natural treatment methods

Along with the conventional methods for depression treatment, there are natural ways to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Changing behavior that affects the individual’s lifestyle physically, mentally, and emotionally is another strategy to achieve help for depression.

Here are a few natural ways to find relief from depression:

Change the thought process

Fighting depression means changing the thought process about the situation or feeling. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.

Get in a routine

When there is a routine there is a better likelihood of staying on track. Depression has a way of depleting structure.

Get active

Engaging in an activity that boosts endorphins helps the brain focus in a positive way as well as promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Choose a healthy diet

There is no certain menu plan that will reduce or eliminate depression. A good meal plan can help the body feel better physically which in turn will reduce the negative feelings of depression.

Get proper sleep

Depression is notorious for causing problems with sleeping. When an individual is tired it can make the struggle harder. Setting a sleep routine and eliminating distractions can help improve sleep.

Stay away from alcohol and other substances

Most people who struggle with depression tend to use alcohol and other medications in an attempt to handle the symptoms of depression.

Engage in fun activities

Suffering from depression can make it hard to enjoy fun activities. Being intentional about engaging in activities that were once enjoyed can greatly reduce the effects of depression.

Set daily goals

Depression can steal confidence. When an individual sets achievable daily goals, they can gain a sense of accomplishment.

Try doing something different

One way to get out of the depression rut is to attempt to do something different. This can change the mood to a more positive feeling.

Stay involved and connected

Being depressed tends to lead a person to give up responsibilities. When a person remains involved and connected they will find a sense of confidence that will reduce the feelings of depression.

Discuss supplements with a physician/therapist

Some supplements have benefits when it comes to treating depression. The best way to choose which one would be more beneficial is to discuss it with a medical professional.

Using Scripture to engage in positive thinking

God desires for us to have joy in our lives. He promises that when we face the hard times of feeling depressed we can trust Him to give us peace and joy. Many verses in the Bible can help an individual engage in positive thinking when feeling depressed. Here are a few of the most quoted scriptures used to help with depression.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. – Philippians 4:8, NASB

The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. – Psalm 34:17, NASB

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. – Psalm 42:11, NASB

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33, NASB

Conclusion

Struggling with depression does not have to be a normal part of living. Through the use of therapies and medications treatment for depression is accessible. The best tool to get the right help for depression is to find a Christian counselor in the area who will create a faith-based treatment plan.