How To Treat Depression

Before we get into how to treat depression, we should first understand what it is. Depression is a mental health disorder characterised by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that an individual used to enjoy. 

This is more than just a temporary feeling of sadness or grief. It is a serious condition that can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Symptoms of depression can include feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and emptiness. It also involves difficulty sleeping and concentrating, changes in appetite, fatigue, and even thoughts of death. These can interfere with a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and enjoy life.[1]

Depression may not be completely curable, but through treatment, lifestyle changes, and supportive care, most people can experience significant improvement and recovery. It is not a sign of weakness or something that someone can just ‘snap out of’ on their own. Just like any other chronic illness, it needs to be addressed in order to get better.[2]

When it comes to learning how to treat depression, the goal of treatment is not to eliminate all signs of depression but to reduce symptoms and improve an individual’s quality of life. Treatment options may include medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches. 

It is important to remember that recovery from depression takes time, patience, and support from family and friends. You may not see the effects of treatment overnight, but be patient with yourself and stick to it. With the right plan, you can manage the symptoms and regain control of your life.

If you want to know how to treat depression, there are several evidence-based treatments beneficial for treating depressive disorders. There is a wide range of therapies and medications available. However, everyone’s case is unique, and there is not one universal solution that works for everyone. Some of the more common treatments include:[3]

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people identify and change the negative thinking and behaviour patterns associated with depression. CBT helps individuals become more aware of their thought patterns and how they influence their behaviour and feelings. Through this process, they can learn to challenge and change unwanted thoughts and behaviours.

Interpersonal therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on understanding and improving relationships. This can be beneficial for people with depression, as it can help them better understand and manage the difficulties in their relationships that may be causing or exacerbating their depression.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses ‘mindfulness meditation’, which is typically conducted in a group setting. It teaches participants to be present in the moment without seeking to change it. In order to prevent feelings of sadness and negative thinking patterns from becoming more severe, this treatment teaches you to recognise them early as a way to cope.

Depending on the recommendations of your doctor, medication-based treatments involving a wide range of antidepressants or mood stabilisers can also be prescribed, depending on your individual situation.

Different treatments may work better for different people, so it is important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with depression. Consult with one of our doctors at Mosh today to get any questions about emotional health and wellbeing and how to treat depression answered.

We understand that you might be tempted to do your own research on how to treat depression because the idea of going out and queueing up at a doctor’s office can seem overwhelming, especially if you are already experiencing emotional and psychological struggles. That is why Mosh has made it easier for you to get help from the comfort of your home.

We have an online quiz that you can get through in just a few minutes. There are three simple sections involved in completing Mosh’s online mental health assessment test: Getting Started, Mind Check-in, and Personal History, and Lifestyle. These results cannot replace a diagnosis, but our doctors can use them to evaluate your situation and provide personalised recommendations.

You can hear from one of our doctors within twenty-four hours after you complete our questionnaire. They take into account as many factors as they can before providing you with personalised advice. If they deem it necessary, your doctor can recommend therapy, medication, or both.

If you are recommended for therapy, you can book an appointment on the same day, pending availability. These fifty-minute sessions are conducted online and kept totally confidential. Any cancellations or rescheduling up to twenty-four hours prior to your session are free of charge. You can even switch therapists at any time.

We also offer delivery services for any medications prescribed by your Mosh doctor. Our subscription service includes automatic refills for your prescriptions. After the first, third, and sixth months, and then every six months thereafter, you can schedule an appointment with your doctor to review your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

​​Mosh is a telehealth platform that tackles health issues others may deem too sensitive to discuss. Aside from mental health, you can also consult a doctor if you have questions.

There is no need to keep asking about how to treat depression. Mosh is here to talk whenever you are ready.