5. If you were suffering from Depression 鈥?what treatment would you choose and why (justify you reasons)?

I know this sounds weird.
But I need to know.
Its all to do with A Level Psychology.

I suffer from severe depression since about the age of 15,


i've been on alot of "happy pills" such as Fluoxetine and Citalopram but the side effects did me more harm than good, i had increased anxiety, diziness, increased panic attacks, chronic fatigue, and nausea.

for the last year i have attended Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and it has helped me more than any drug.

Link below to read more about it.

I hope my experience helped.

Depression is not one condition but a group of associated conditions. Treatment would greatly depend on the type of depression and personal circumstances at the time.

Light exercise, distraction techniques, positive thinking (CBT), good diet, relaxation, are always beneficial.

I would be cautious about drugs as they can make depression worse, if not properly prescribed and supervised.

Depression is often a sign of another medical problem and I would want to make certain that any potential aggravating factors were identified and treated as well. Doctor clinical diagnose depression far too quickly in my experience. Because depression is common they get lazy and don't take a proper history. I have lost track of the number of sufferers I have helped just by changing their diets.

I think all people suffering from chronic depression should have counselling available them.

If I was suffering from Depression I would go to my family doctor and ask for a referral to a specialist. I would explain that I was feeling 'down in the dumps' and not feeling like doing anything for an extended period of time. That I did not feel like getting up in the morning, taking a shower, dressing, that I was just eating whatever was handy because I didn't have the energy to cook.
I would explain that the only reason I was bothering to seek help was because I didn't want to be a burden on others. I would say that this had been steadily getting worse for years. (I would show signs of low self esteem, worthlessness)
I would request medication to help me get through the day. I am suffering from no energy, crying for no reason, no appetite yet eating whatever (poor diet), and having trouble sleeping, no ambition and can not even force myself to do anything beneficial. I would then request a referral to a therapist for a weekly session. The session would help me think through the issues that are the root of the depression and help me accept what has happened in my life and how to go on and become a productive member of society.
I would have to realize that this is no 'quick fix' situation since I did not get depressed over night I may have to go on medication for years and see a therapist for years.
The goal would be to life a near normal way of life and to learn how to deal with the past and how to manage life in the present and not spend all my time thinking about the things that happened in the past. To realize that medication may be a constant in my life and to accept it.

I have lots of reason for you because i am suggesting you a treatment which can kick your depression for good.
The reasons
1) No need to take any phill
2) No side effects
3) No loss of apetite
4) Can do it sitting at home
5) Very much affordable
6) Advisible to all ages
7) Simple excersices to make you feel better
8) Experts have proved and certified this, that this is a 100% fool proof,
Still there are lots of justification, i suggest you to see it yourself and enroll yourself
check this link
http://tinyurl.com/6p8uaj

I have long term depression.
Medications and talk therapy is the combination that works best for me. The medications help me think more clearly so I am more receptive to therapy.
Cymbalta helps my depression.
Ritalin helps my energy level and concentration.
Seroquel helps me sleep.
Clonazepam helps when I have anxiety.
Put these with a Great therapist so I have been sailing pretty smoothly for a while now.

1) I wouldn't treat myself....I'd ask my Doctor's advice and put myself in his/her care
2) I'd hope he'd look at my thyroid function while simultaneously goto step 3
3) I'd hope he'd prescribe an SSRI antidepressant and, hopefully Prozac or Lexapro. If I was a victim of rape or sexual abuse I might go for Efexor as Noradrenergic neurotransmission appears to be more effective
4) I'd ask him for advice on how to cope. I'd hope he might send me for Cognitive behavioural Therapy and encourage me to join a gym, for instance
5) I'd then start to look at things I could do to help myself...maybe go to Reiki or try aromatherapy

Why don't you answer this question from your instructor yourself, we are not getting graded on it.....
I assume you are the up and comer who is going to be so called helping people with there problems?
Know the material.

I am currently on citalopram (my happy pills). They have worked miracles. I know this as I have been put on them before for clinical depression. I have been recommended councilling but I feel this is working for me .

Find the professional who can help you out from the depression. Sometimes talk with a good friend also help. I prefer not to take medicine because we never know what the side impact of that medicine