depression

[duncan1971]

what is the best therapy for fighting depression or is it just down to the individual having the strength to carry on with life

[missrat]

It's very individual, but I would suggest a combination of the following?

- see your GP

- counselling or psychotherapy - either arranged under NHS or privately

- possibly medication - may need to try more than one. Take time to be effective

- reading about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - books or online

- mindfulness meditation

- finding out how bvest family and friends can help you

- keeping a list of helplines if things are particularly distressing

Good luck

Ann

[Hidden]

Hi Duncan

What kind of therapy is best depends mainly upon why YOU think you are depressed. If you think it relates to things going on in your life now then counselling or CBT may be helpful as talking about things can help get them into perspective and enable you to find solutions. If you think the depression relates to difficulties in an existing relationship with a partner then couples therapy is likely to help, Relate are excellent. If you think the depression relates to things from your past, if you think you've been depressed for a long time or had trauma or felt isolated in your past then psychotherapy may be right for you, long term if you can afford private therapy, you can find a therapist through UKCP or BACP or short term within the NHS and your GP can refer you. Medication can be great if you don't like the idea of talking with someone but want the symptoms treated, one problem with meds is that when you stop taking them the depression is statistically very likely to return and if you stay on meds they gradually become less effective and so higher doses or a change to a different and often stronger med is needed, also they have side effects. Samaritans are really helpful if you feel desperate.

I'm sorry not to be of more help but what will help you depends on the cause of the depression and also your own attitude towards treatment which is the greatest predictor of outcome. A good source of info about different treatments is the Mind.org.uk website. If you want to write more I may be able to give a more specific reply.

Suex

[duncan1971]

hi Ann and sue thanks for the your comments i think i put the question wrong as I've got some help im seeing a hypnotherapist which is doing me good at the moment I've tryed other therapies but not worked out anyway thank you both as it is always nice to know the re are people going through the same illness and i feel at ease with from Duncan

[J-Nevil]

There are some excellent suggestions here. There's no 'best' therapy for depression, it's really just about what works. Seeing your GP is a good step, and undertaking some counselling or therapy can be beneficial too - if you feel you need it. You as an individual do play a role in beating depression, but it's natural to need a little help. If you don't feel like doing counselling or talking with someone you could also try some self-help books as they often contain some great ideas for coping with depressing feelings. This book combines a lot of information about the causes of and psychology behind depression, as well as some practical tips - humangivens.com/publication.... Understanding depression is key to beating it - it could be that gives you some perspective on things. It all depends on what level of help you feel you need.