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Learning
A person with undiagnosed depression learns about the symptoms of depression and the different types. Through some form of campaign or just by chance, they came across these symptoms. They realize that they’ve felt this way for a while. -
Going to a Doctor
After learning about depression, they go to a clinic and talk to their doctor. They describe their sadness and how they’ve been feeling. The doctor expects that they may have a form of depression. They recommend that they go to a specialist. -
Diagnosis
The patient goes to a specialist in mental illness. They describe their experience over time and the doctor asks them questions about their situation. They may ask if they’ve had suicidal thoughts or if the bouts of depression are triggered by certain events. They may even ask if there has been an especially stressful event recently. -
Treatment
After being diagnosed with their specific depression, the doctor will recommend various treatments. These include psychotherapy and medication. It all depends upon a person’s individual situation as to what the doctor will recommend. -
Medication
Medication takes up to six weeks to work. Common medications used to treat depression are Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. If the patient experiences suicidal thoughts after taking the medication, the doctor may switch their medication or take them off it. Sometimes, medication is all a person needs to feel better. Other times, they have to combine it with psychotherapy. Medications -
Psychotherapy
When you go into psychotherapy, you discuss your condition with a mental health professional. There are multiple types of psychotherapy, and a patient may be asked to try different types. Psychotherapy can teach a depressed person how to cope with depression and adjust better to their environment. -
Later On
A depressed person may never be cured from depression. They may also experience times when their depression isn’t as serious and the symptoms disappear with treatment, but depression comes back. Other people experience temporary depression and their treatment fully stops their issues. It is not considered failure if a depressed person never recovers. Rather, patients take small steps and every situation is different.
