Does My Depression Require Medication?

If you’ve been depressed for a while, you may wonder: What is the best course of action? Medication? Therapy? Both? Read on to find out how we address various types of depression.

Almost 9% of Americans are diagnosed with depression each year. But as common as it is, it doesn’t make it any less complex as it involves an interplay of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms that disrupt daily life.

Because of its complexity and the fact that many factors play into it (genetics, environment, childhood experiences, trauma, etc.), the treatment of depression is not always the same for each patient.

If you are wondering whether you can or should use medications to treat your depression, our experts at VP MindCare explain what depression is, how we treat it, and when medication can be a helpful tool.

Finding out what’s causing the issue

Because it suppresses positive emotions and involves a learned sense of hopelessness, depression is often considered a “freeze” response. When confronted with certain challenges, your nervous system becomes overwhelmed and doesn’t know how to fix the problem, so it freezes in one mode.

The first step in finding out what’s causing the issue is working with a mental health provider to determine what is making you unable to cope. In addition, screening for other mental health conditions that could cause depression, as well as for biological causes, can be very helpful.

When can medication help?

Medications can be of help when psychotherapy isn’t enough to help you become functional in your day-to-day life. This means that the actions you must take to make yourself happier can’t be taken, further feeding into the sense of hopelessness and lack of control over one’s life.

Medications used for depression alter neurotransmitter activity in the brain related to mood, motivation, and emotional regulation. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin levels in the brain by preventing reabsorption.

All antidepressants work similarly, but by using different mechanisms. Some antidepressants may also alter both serotonin and norepinephrine levels, all to enhance positive mood, lower anxiety, and increase overall well-being.

Depression medications don’t have to be a permanent solution; they can give you momentum as you learn how to further improve your quality of life in therapy.

Finding out what works for you

Identifying the medication that works for you and the dosage that works best requires patience and collaboration, and it’s all determined via an evaluation, which can help identify potential triggers and help you develop a personalized strategy.

Our experts often recommend a combination of psychotherapy and medication to help with emotional regulation and help you acquire the skills to build resilience and enable you to live a good life. If you are struggling with depression, know there are solutions to increase your quality of life.