Therapy and depression

My doctor has recommended that I find a therapist, to help in the treatment of my depression.I have never seen a therapist, and just don't know where to start. Can you help me?

It sounds like you have already taken the first step in dealing with your depression.Anyone who suspects that they are depressed, and lifestyle changes haven't worked, should make an appointment to see their primary care doctor, for a thorough checkup. This way if your depression is the result of medical causes, therapy and antidepressants will do little to help. The bottom line is that depression won't lift until the underlying health problem is identified and treated. Once an underlying medical cause has been ruled out for your depression, then you can move on to dealing with it.

This next step is finding a mental health specialist, for treatment. You should keep in mind that there are many types of mental health professionals, yet one of the most important things to consider, when choosing a therapist, is your connection with this person. The right therapist will be a caring and supportive partner, in your depression treatment and recovery.

There are many ways to find a therapist. You can ask family and friends, and your doctor may be able to provide a referral as well. There are also national mental health organizations that can also help with referral lists of licensed credentialed providers. If cost is an issue, check out local senior centers, religious organizations, and community mental health clinics, since many of these places often offer therapy on a sliding scale for payment.

Do not be surprised if you find the need to try a couple of therapist before finding the right one. It is important to find that right therapist, as it has been shown that talk therapy is an extremely effective treatment, for depression. This is because therapy gives you tools to treat depression from a variety of angles, and gives you skills, and insight, to help prevent depression from coming back.

One of the major factors with depression is feeling overwhelmed, and having trouble focusing. Therapy can help you step back, and see what might be contributing to your depression, and how you can make changes. Here are some of the major issues that might be dealt with in therapy-

• How to set healthy boundaries-This is extremely important because if you are stressed and overwhelmed, and feel like you just can't say no, you are more at risk for depression. When you learn to set healthy boundaries in relationships, and at work, it can help relieve stress. Therapy can help you identify, and validate, what boundaries are right for you.


• How to develop better relationships-It is important to understand the patterns of your relationships, since building better relationships, and improving current relationships, will help reduce isolation, and build social support, all skills that are important in preventing depression.


• How to hand life's problems. Talking with a trusted therapist can provide good feedback on more positive ways to handle life's challenges and problems, which is key, both in treating and preventing further depression.

As a final note, you should not get discouraged when therapy gets tough. Taking apart things that haven't worked well in one's life often makes them seem worse before they get better. When therapy seems difficult or painful, it is critical not to give up. It is important to understand that if you discuss your feelings, and reactions, honestly with your therapist, it will help you move forward rather than retreat back to your old, less effective ways. Therapy can be a vital and important part of your treatment, when recovering from depression.