Which Therapy is Right for You?

There are a wide variety of options available to patients suffering from depression. Deciding among them can be a difficult and sometimes stressful task. Patients should consult their doctor to discuss which option will be the most effective and most likely to produce long term results.

Clearly, patients suffering from long-term or major depression should not attempt to self-medicate with herbal remedies. However, people enduring the every day stresses of life may wish to supplement with an herbal remedy like St. John’s Wort. Whether or not this is an effective solution for you depends upon your typical stress level and your comfort level with taking a remedy that is not FDA regulated.

Similarly, patients with a more moderate form of depression may choose between prescription medication and cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. Or they may choose to treat their initial, more severe symptoms with medication and then continue their treatment with CBT.

On the other hand, patients with a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts should discuss their options with their physician. These patients may find the best treatment, at least during the initial six to 12 month period, may be medication. Whether or not patients wish to combine their treatment with CBT is a choice left to the patient and doctor. While proponents of CBT proclaim the therapy is as effective as drug therapy, some patients may need to remain on medication for a long-term period, or even for the remainder of their lives. These particular patients usually suffer from a long-term history of depression or relapses.

Each type of therapy has both positive and negative benefits that should be taken into consideration, from the probability of relapse to the effectiveness of the therapy. Self-treating with St. John’s Wort, for example, may be a fine choice for a moderately stressed person, but where should a person draw the line between mild and moderate depression? There is the possibility that a person who has chosen to self-medicate may have a more severe form of depression deserving of medical attention.

Depression and mental illness is not something to neglect; if you suspect you are suffering from even a mild form of depression, talk to your doctor before pursuing another form of treatment. Seeking medical attention early will ultimately lead to a faster, more complete recovery.