Philosopher AI
Purchase queries
Healthy & Proactive self treatment of depression
Depression is an interesting topic, because it has a very narrow definition by the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), rendering it rather difficult to assess whether or not someone is depressed. In fact, depression can only be diagnosed if you have 5 out of 9 symptoms for at least 2 weeks. This leaves many people that would benefit from treatment unable to receive help.
Personally I think depression is a symptom of poor self-esteem and/or a lack of purpose in life. However, it can be difficult to treat because people who suffer from this mental illness are often unwilling or unable to admit they have an issue. As a result, even with the availability of medical treatment for depression, many patients do not seek help.
There are many different kinds of depression. Some people may be depressed because their situation in life is not what they want it to be, but others have a chemical imbalance that needs to be treated with medication. The first type can often find help through psychiatric counseling and/or self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Unfortunately, depression is often treated in the same way as it was over 100 years ago: by giving people sedatives and electroconvulsive therapy. Although these forms of treatment can be very effective, they are not always appropriate for every patient.
The second type of depression is the most difficult to treat. These patients often need medication and/or electroconvulsive therapy, but they also require psychiatric counseling to help them see that there are other options in life for happiness.
I think the best way to treat depression is through a combination of medication and psychiatric counseling. I have found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people who suffer from depression find new ways to deal with their problems.