Pros and Cons of Therapy for Depression
What You Need to Know
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected. Losing a loved one, going through a divorce or end of a long-term relationship can all lead to depression. While this feeling is completely normal, left untreated it can develop into a serious condition that could have damaging effects on your life. In as little as six sessions of talking therapy for depression, your therapist will help you identify the source of your stress and find positive solutions to move past it. Whether you’re just starting to feel the effects of depression or are already dealing with its consequences every day, therapy for depression is an excellent way to get back on track. Here are some pros and cons of therapy for depression that you need to know before making that decision:
What is Depression?
A mood disorder that affects between 7 and 10 percent of the population, depression is characterized by a constant feeling of sadness and lethargy that interferes with daily living. It could be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetics, stressful life events, and more. With regular therapy, you can treat and prevent depression from developing into a more serious condition. There are four types of depression that can be diagnosed by your therapist:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD): This is the most common form of depression, beginning with a feeling of sadness that turns into a longer-term disorder.
- Bipolar disorder: Also known as manic-depression, this is when someone cycles between periods of severe depression and periods of elevated mood.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): This is a type of depression that happens during fall and winter months when there’s less sunlight.
- Postpartum depression: This occurs in women after they give birth.
- Adjustment disorder with depressed mood: This is when someone has a disorder caused by an event that’s outside their control, and they also have symptoms of depression.
Why Should You See a Therapist for Depression?
If you’re feeling sad or down for more than two weeks, or if the sadness is interfering with your day-to-day activities, it is important to seek treatment. Depression can be treated with a combination of medication and talking therapy, so make the most of it by recognizing the signs and seeking the help of a professional.
You can use therapy to:
- Identify what’s triggering your depression
- Get a better understanding of your needs and feelings
- Find healthy ways to cope with your emotions
- Learn how to reduce stress in your life
- Learn positive thinking techniques
- Find support and connect with others who are going through the same thing
- Develop a support system to help get you through difficult times
- Learn positive strategies to avoid relapse
- Learn techniques that can help you feel better, even when you’re not in therapy
Pros of Therapy for Depression
When you’re dealing with an illness, the first step is always to identify what’s causing it. In therapy, you’ll learn why you’re feeling depressed and how to cope with it effectively. You’ll learn how to identify and reduce stress in your life. You’ll find ways to manage negative thoughts. Exploring your current relationships, identifinging any problems, and learn how to manage them will also be possible. You can develop a personalized, effective treatment plan. You’ll explore your goals for the future and learn new ways to reach them and feel more connected to others in your life and find support and acceptance. You’ll have a safe space to talk about your feelings and learn new ways to manage your emotions.
Cons of Therapy for Depression
You’ll have to invest time and effort into this process and to acknowledge your feelings, even if they’re painful. You’ll have to stick to the treatment plan. It will be possible for you to be open to change. This is not a quick fix that will be fixed quickly. This is a long-term solution. You may not notice results for a few weeks, and it can also take a few weeks to find the right therapist.
When left untreated, depression can affect both your mental and physical well-being. Therapy is a safe way to identify your triggers and find ways to combat them. It’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s important to speak up and let your therapist know what you need to get better. While therapy can be an excellent way to treat depression, like anything else it takes time. Don’t expect to see results within a few weeks or even months. It could take years before you start to notice a difference. In the meantime, do your best to keep up with your treatment plan. Stay active, try to reduce your stress, and spend time with loved ones.
This article is written by a therapist from the Sensera app. Sensera is the #1 mental health app for women. Deal with mental issues in 10 minutes a day. Improve your mood and relationships. Download now to get happy!
