Is Psychotherapy Used to Treat Clinical Depression?
Everyone feels sad from time to time. Most of us experience emotional highs and lows regularly, some days feeling extremely excited and optimistic, and other days entirely lacking the motivation it takes to even get out of bed. Men and women who struggle with depression, however, experience extreme lows that can be both crippling and highly disruptive to daily life. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability among men and women throughout the country between the ages of 15 and 43. A major depressive disorder is characterized by extreme sadness and disillusionment that lasts for anywhere between one and six months at a time.
How Counselors Use Psychotherapy for Depression
This mental health condition affects over 16 million Americans on an annual basis – this equates to roughly 6.7 percent of the total population. While depression can affect men and women of any age, the median age of onset is around 32 years – meaning that middle-aged individuals tend to develop depressive disorder the most frequently out of any demographic. Additionally, major depressive disorder affects more women than it does men. While untreated depression can be extremely disruptive to day-to-day life, there are very effective treatment methods in place for depressive disorders of all severities. If you or someone you love has been struggling with depression, it is a good idea to seek a combination of professional psychotherapy and medication – unless a co-occurring disorder is present.
Advantages of Psychotherapy for Treating Depression
Psychotherapy – also commonly referred to as “talk therapy” – is an effective method of treatment for depression, but only when it is combined with antidepressant medication. When used in combination with medication it serves a vital role and is used to help individuals find ways in which to deal with day-to-day stressors that can lead to depressive episodes. Psychotherapy is also helpful in the sense that it can increase accountability, and encourage patients to take their medication on time every day. There are numerous benefits involved in psychotherapy for depression, the most notable being:
- Stress reduction and stress management
- Allowing patients the opportunity to see their problems and the challenges they face from an entirely new perspective
- Helping patients stick to other forms of treatment, namely medication (antidepressants)
- Helping patients learn how to deal with the potential side effects that could go hand in hand with their antidepressant medication
- Putting patients into contact with other individuals who might struggle with the same issues
- Catching the early warning signs that are associated with more severe depression – can allow for immediate intervention, and prevent the symptoms of depression from getting worse
- Talking through potential issues with an unbiased third party
If you have been struggling with a depressive disorder of any severity, you must reach out for professional help. In many cases, untreated depression can lead to substance abuse – individuals attempt to self-medicate, using drugs and alcohol to alleviate the more severe psychological symptoms associated with depression. Fortunately, there are many dual diagnosis treatment options available for men and women who have been struggling with depression and addiction. To learn more about co-occurring disorders, or to begin on your journey of comprehensive healing, call us today.
Overcoming Depression Long-Term
If you are struggling with depression, it might seem like you will never feel happier content again. However, with the right combination of treatments recovery is possible. To learn more about overcoming depression long-term, reach out to Agape Treatment Center today. We specialize in the treatment of dual diagnosis disorders, meaning that we treat substance abuse and mental health simultaneously. At Agape Treatment Center we have a dedicated team made up of experienced mental health professionals and experts in the field of substance abuse and dependence. The comprehensive clinical care we provide tackles addiction and all underlying causes, effectively providing physical, psychological, and emotional healing. To learn more, call us today.
