Medication and therapy have both been shown to be helpful in treating depression. However, the best course of action varies from patient to patient based on several criteria, including age, health background, and the specifics of the depressive disorder being treated.

To alleviate their depression, some people participate in psychotherapy, while others take antidepressant drugs. Various treatments have varying degrees of success with varying forms of depression. As a result, picking the right combination of medication and psychotherapy can be challenging.

Your healthcare practitioner is the best resource for helping you go through your alternatives and make the appropriate call. The information below will help you choose the most appropriate treatment for your needs, including information about possible medications and therapies.

Medication for Depression

Antidepressants are a class of medications used to treat depression. These help you feel better and less flustered. We provide prescription assistance to patients, so if you need medications that will give you the best results with the fewest side effects, reach out to our prescription assistance program.

Antidepressants: How Do They Work?

Antidepressants modify neural circuitry in the brain to regulate emotional states. A lack of appropriate functioning of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine-using brain circuits is a hallmark of depression. These antidepressants boost these three substances, which in turn improves the functioning of brain circuits in those battling depression. They have an instantaneous calming effect.

How Long Does A Person Remain On Antidepressants?

If you’ve begun to feel better on antidepressants, your doctor may still prescribe them. You can lessen the likelihood of your symptoms returning if you keep taking your medicine as prescribed. Determining whether or not to discontinue antidepressant treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms.

Psychotherapy For Depression

For those interested in psychotherapy, scheduling an appointment with a licensed psychiatrist or therapist is necessary. Depression causes changes in perspective and how people interact with the world, both of which may be addressed through therapy.

Depression can be alleviated by therapy, helping people avoid destructive thought patterns. By doing so, you can better understand what is triggering your depression and how to treat it. Depression can be treated using a variety of therapies, such as the following:

1. Cognitive Therapy

During cognitive therapy, individuals are taught to recognize destructive thought patterns and replace them with more constructive ones. Most cognitive therapies are short-term and focused on achieving certain goals. The average length of time for cognitive therapy is four weeks, but it may take as long as a few months.

2. Behavioral Therapy

As the name implies, behavioral therapy focuses on modifying the actions that cause negative feelings. The program is designed to alleviate depression by encouraging individuals to participate in constructive activities.

3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy  

In this approach, those battling depression are counseled to recognize and accept their unfavorable actions and ideas. Validation procedures are used in therapy to aid individuals in managing distressing feelings. Mindfulness practices are included in dialectical behavior therapy, and individuals are taught to cope with challenging circumstances.

Prescription Drug Assistance For All Uninsured And Under-Insured Americans

Advocate My Meds is here to help if you struggle to afford antidepressants and want to address your depression. We offer full-service prescription assistance programs to ensure everyone can access the required treatment. We can assist you with Pfizer prescription assistance, Sanofi, GSK, and more! Get help today!