Talking it Out

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the recommended method of treatment for clinical depression is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. But despite what you may believe, not every person who is dealing with dpression is on antidepressants. And you don't have to be on them either, if that's your choice.

More often talk therapy will be prescribed to help patients work through their symptoms. Here’s an overview of three common types of psychotherapy used to treat depression:

• Interpersonal Therapy helps you identify and resolve problems in your relationships that contribute to your depression.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the negative, inaccurate, self-defeating and/or pessimistic thoughts, beliefs and perceptions that are contributing to your depression. CBT not only focuses on identifying and changing your thought patterns but also on making specific behavioral changes to reflect and reinforce the new thoughts and beliefs.
• Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on past experiences and how they might be contributing to your current depression, perhaps in ways of which you’re not aware.

Many health plans are beginning to offer talk therapy by phone—great for missed appointments or when you live too far from your preferred therapist. Ask your therapist or your insurance company if they offer this service.

DID YOU KNOW? Around 80% to 90% of depression patients who seek help for their symptoms respond positively to treatment. It’s a common myth that once you’re depressed, you remain depressed for the rest of your life.