Depression Treatment Choices

Went to the hospital today.  Hate going to the hospital.  I also like it in a way.  But it’s mostly liking the thought of it a little bit- have the feeling I can find out what’s wrong with me, maybe.  It puts my mind at ease to get a solid diagnosis from a licensed professional.  Turns out, that’s true only some of the time.  I’ve also left the hospital feeling that certain so-called health “professionals” are a bit incompetent.  It’s not that they were bumbling idiots with drool running down their chins, rather they just seem somewhat indifferent, a bit careless, and they don’t impart an air of actually caring about you or your health in particular.  Not exactly the description of a “healer” anyone would have in mind.  The thought occurred to me that this is bad when you are seeking treatment for physical illness- how much worse would it be to go to a professional for depression treatment?  With depression, you are dealing with something that is definitely beyond the body, not that I believe in creating clear boundaries between the mental and the physical- far from it, I’m for the school of thought that says our minds and bodies are intimately connected and can’t be separated.  What if you went to a psychiatrist who was indifferent, careless, and seemed not to give a rat’s ass about you personally?  I’m sure it happens a lot! 

Personally, I’m of the mind that the causes of depression can be many and varied, and so can the “cure”. For instance, getting exercise has proven benefits for the mind and body. It helps in the release of brain chemicals and hormones which help to provide a feeling of well-being. If, god forbid, I were to find myself depressed again, I would be sure to get exercise regularly in an effort to regain mental health. Diet can also play an important role, as can be seen for example in studies showing that fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids can often relieve feelings of being depressed. Talking things out with someone you trust is yet another natural depression treatment. I’m not trying to say that depression is easily overcome through diet and exercise, these are just things that can and do often help people out of depression. They are the first line of defense in taking your life back if you find yourself slipping into that dark hole. Meditation or a meditative activity can do wonders for getting you out of a hole, as can being in nature.  During those times I feel like depression lurks around the corner, I find it's usually enough vanquish its presence by quieting my mind and focusing inward.  Meditation is powerful because it brings you into focus.  You become more aware, and I find it's true that awareness restores balance on a personal and most probably universal levels.  If you're new to meditation, you can try a 10-day Vipassana meditation course.  You pay whatever you can afford as the course is run entirely on donations, and there are meditation centers worldwide.  I have done a course and found it one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but it allowed me to experience on a deeper level the benefits of meditation.  Of course, you should only go this route if you have a good feeling about it and it seems right for you.     

I would personally try any natural therapies I could find first before turning to therapy and meds as a last resort. This also goes for professional help- in some cases people have been able to find relief with a naturopath or acupuncturist, for instance.

Of course, depression can also be a very tricky beast and people suffering more serious symptoms of depression can benefit from the help of a professional.  The thing to emphasize when seeking out a professional is to remember that YOU HAVE A CHOICE.  It will probably be best if you don’t blindly go to the first psychologist you find and just give yourself up for treatment.  Though it can be hard if you are depressed, take charge of your own well-being and find a professional you feel safe with.  Stories of people seeking help only to come out worse off than they were are not as uncommon as you might think.  There have been numerous lawsuits and investigations into sexual misconduct on the part of would-be mental health professionals.  Find someone you feel you can trust!  It’s also good to have an idea of what kind of treatment you seek- do you want to undergo psychoanalysis, or do you just want to find someone to prescribe antidepressants for you?  I’m of the opinion that people are generally overmedicated, but there is a time and a place for medication (especially for people who are suicidal).  Unfortunately, mental health is also under the influence of the giant pharmaceutical industry which pushes drug sales regardless of patient well-being.  This means that it is all too easy to get meds whether you truly need them or not.  Getting a doctor who considers your well being of the utmost importance could mean there’s a better chance you’ll make a wise choice about whether or not to use meds.  It would be a good idea to ascertain the percentage of patients who are on medication of a doctor you are considering, for instance.  Also keep in mind that psychiatrists are able to prescribe meds while psychologists are not. 

One of the keys to getting out of depression is to take control of your life.  Ironically, feelings of powerlessness can be one of the symptoms or causes of depression.  When treating depression, take care and be kind to yourself.  It’s good to start with small changes.  Remind yourself that you are working to overcome this affliction, and know that you have the power to make your own choices, to set the course of your treatment.  There is always hope; scores of people who have made it out of depression can attest to that.