Dealing with Depression
What does depression mean?
Depression means life doesn't feel the same. You no longer gain any pleasure from things you used to enjoy, and these activities don't even offer the hope of a good time. Hope, in fact, is absent. You may have feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and have trouble concentrating. Sometimes people contemplate suicide because they just want it to stop.
Usually people with chronic pain are depressed. Studies show that up to two thirds of patients with chronic pain are depressed. Sometimes, the most prominent symptom of depression is pain.
What medication works best?
What you really need to discover is which treatment works best. The best way of treating depression is by combining medication with psychotherapy. Medication alone is effective for between 60-70% of people with depression. Interestingly enough, so is psychotherapy. In fact, certain short-term psychotherapies, including IPT, have been shown to be just as effective as antidepressants in treating depression.
How well does combining medication with psychotherapy work?
Over 80% of the people who get treatment (psychotherapy and antidepressants) get better. Some studies have put that figure near 90%, and that's just in the first round of treatment.
Should I see a psychiatrist?
If you are considering medication for your depression, then a psychiatrist is your best option. You should choose a psychiatrist who has additional training in psychotherapy for depression, IPT, and one who has specialized training in managing depression (affective disorders) with medication.
What else can I do?
Anything! The more you do, the more you will fight off the symptoms of depression. Just getting out of bed is a good first step. Make plans, get exercise, and get out of the house.
Don't waste a lot of money on self-help and supplements!
These programs work to a limited extent. The best part about them is what I mentioned above-that you are doing something to get better.
What about herbs?
St. John's Wort has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of depression, but it has more side effects and drug interactions than the antidepressants your doctor will prescribe. Furthermore, it works in the same way as medications like Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa and Paxil. Just because it's "natural," doesn't necessarily make it safer or better for you.
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"Dr. Martorano saved my life - I had been depressed, over-medicated and sick for two years. I was convinced I had cancer. I couldn't even get out of bed. I was $200,000 dollars in debt, had three school-age children, and no credit. Without his help I don't know how my family would have survived my illness...
Today I have my own business. I am debt free, and free from depression. Whenever I meet someone who is depressed or suffering, I always recommend Dr. Martorano."
--- B.L.
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