Depression Treatment with Talk Therapy

No one should have to live with symptoms of depression that hinder their ability to function normally or their overall level of happiness. Fortunately, talk therapy offers an effective treatment solution, particularly as part of a more comprehensive depression treatment plan.

Depression treatment: What you should know about talk therapy

There is no cure for depression, but there are effective treatments available. Talk therapy is one of the most popular and effective methods of depression treatment. This review discusses talk therapy, including its exact benefits and when a psychiatrist may recommend it.

What is talk therapy for depression treatment?

Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, is a treatment for depression and other mental health disorders and symptoms. The first session may begin with the Psychiatrist asking a series of questions to learn more about the symptoms you are experiencing and your medical history. One of the primary long-term goals of talk therapy is the development of coping mechanisms to help minimize symptoms of depression.

What are the benefits of talk therapy for depression?

Talk therapy involves the identification of the underlying causes of depression, triggers, and coping mechanisms. The goal is to develop a lifestyle, diet, and mindset that help alleviate the symptoms of depression and allow for a happy and healthy life. Some of the notable reported benefits of talk therapy from former patients include:

• Improved self-esteem.
• Increased confidence.
• Reduced anxiety.
• Better social functioning.
• Development of coping mechanisms.

There are no cookie-cutter approaches to talk therapy for depression, so the experience and the benefits are unique for everyone. However, a psychiatrist can discuss treatment goals and likely benefits during the first (or one of the first) sessions.

When might a psychiatrist recommend talk therapy?

A psychiatrist might recommend talk therapy for depression if the patient regularly experiences symptoms that do not improve on their own with lifestyle changes and minor changes in the person’s environment. The best way to determine if talk therapy is right for you is to schedule a session with a licensed psychiatrist.

Are there any depression treatments that are recommended with talk therapy?

Talk therapy is often recommended (or required) in conjunction with antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Antidepressants on their own are not always enough to treat depression long-term. Antidepressants often aid talk therapy for faster relief that lasts long-term.

Other treatments may include group therapy, family counseling, acupuncture, massage therapy, lifestyle changes, and dietary changes. In addition, certain treatments may be available for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), ketamine infusions, and TMS therapy.