Prevention and care

Depression is an illness that should never be taken lightly. Consequently, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as the first symptoms appear in order to be quickly diagnosed, since depression can deepen and even lead to suicide.

The first person to talk to about your symptoms is your family doctor, who will know what steps to take. If diagnosed well, depression is an illness that can be treated easily and quite quickly. A combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants is unquestionably the best therapeutic formula.

Hospitalization is rarely necessary during treatment and there are many mutual aid and support groups.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy works on the psychological and social aspects that could be related to a depressive episode.

Several types of psychotherapy are possible, but two have proven to be scientifically effective in treating depression: cognitive-behavioural and interpersonal therapy.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy

Very structured, cognitive-behavioural therapy is considered a short-term treatment and is very focused on the present moment. It aims to change the dysfunctional thinking that accompanies depression and that may be triggering or perpetuating the depressive episodes. This therapy can be effective in helping those with a minor or moderate depression. It can also help prevent relapses. A distortion in thought patterns disturbs what the person thinks of himself, his relationships with others and his rapport with the world in general. In the course of the therapy, these distortions in thought patterns are identified and new patterns are developed. The patient is given exercises to put these new patterns into practice. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is intense and consists of about 20 once-a-week sessions; the treatment usually takes five to six months.

Interpersonal psychotherapy

This is a short-term therapy aimed at alleviating the symptoms of depression. The starting hypothesis is that the majority of depressed people have disturbed interpersonal relationships. This is part of the illness. Therapists who employ this technique believe that if the difficulties with these interpersonal relations can be resolved, then the symptoms of depression can also be stabilized. In interpersonal therapy, the therapist concentrates, with the patient, on improving one of the following aspects, usually by focusing on the one that is the most problematic:

• sorrow or grief

• adaptation to a new role

• interpersonal tensions (e.g., constant conflict with a work colleague)

• interpersonal deficiencies (e.g., an inability to communicate, which impairs relationships)

Generally, the therapy consists of one session a week for about 16 weeks. It may be followed by monthly follow-up sessions until the person no longer feels the need. It is as effective as antidepressants in the case of minor or moderate depression. Studies show that better results are obtained if antidepressants are used along with interpersonal psychotherapy. 

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can normalize neurotransmitters and quickly – usually in two to three weeks – help restore normal sleeping habits, appetite, energy, pleasure and positive thoughts.

Contrary to popular belief, antidepressants do not create a dependency. The medication has to be prescribed for about four to six months to minimize the risk of a relapse. However, the biological treatment will need to be continued if depressive disorders persist.

A doctor can also prescribe phototherapy treatment, which uses a special light that acts as a stimulant, for people who suffer from a seasonal depression.

What to do if a loved one is suffering from depression

• Listen to the person who is depressed so he can share what he is feeling.

• You can contribute to the treatment by encouraging him to first see his doctor and, if needed, a depression specialist.

• Be patient with him: since he already puts himself down a lot, he is even more sensitive to criticism.

• Be understanding when he withdraws from his usual activities: he sometimes lacks motivation and energy.

• Your understanding and empathy can contribute to the recovery of the person who is depressed.

• Most of all, reassure him. No matter how desperate the situation may seem to him, it is not hopeless. Depression can be cured!