Depression Tips

Most important in the treatment is the right attitude of those who are in contact with the patient, also an accurate diagnosis. Some patients need to be in hospital, others can be treated as out- patients. If the cause is organic then attention must be given to the treatment of the physical illness.

Types of Treatment

Psychotherapy

This is communication between the trained person and the depressed person. It may be individual or group therapy. In group therapy several patients are invited to form a group. The group may be of in patients or of out patients, but they are get to know one another. As with other groups all should participate, but there should not be any forcing, and it may take time for a withdrawn or depressed patient to begin a talk.

Tranquiliser Drugs

These relieve symptoms but don’t cure the illness. They help to make the patient more co-operative so that he can benefit from psychotherapy including group therapy.

Electric Shock Therapy

This also relieves the symptoms and makes the patient easier to approach for psychotherapy.

Occupational Therapy

This provides activities and work either in the hospital or in the home.

Recreational Therapy

Provides indoor and out-door recreation for the mentally ill. The staff joins with the patients in these activities so that they are helped to adjust to the living with others.

Integration With General Health Services

Another trend is to admit patients with mental illness in general hospitals. Many hospitals now have a psychiatric department or at least a psychiatric O.P clinic.

Half –way houses are home like institutions which provide after care and protection. Efforts are made to help the depressed to its original life and provide supervised employment such as sheltered workshops. These houses offer a vital service in helping these persons to regain a place in society. Regular visits by trained persons for informal discussions with the family where a mentally ill person is living, is another promising trend. If the behavior of the patient again becomes abnormal, get the family to take him to the doctor without delay.