Depression – what to do?

Depression is the most common mental illness. A wide range of therapies that use different treatment methods is available. Here are the key points:

• Good treatment should be carried out by specialist and include therapy.
• The earlier depression is treated, the easier and more successful the therapy.
• Early treatment reduces the risk for recurring episodes (recurrent depression).
• It is also important to explain the illness to relatives and include them in the process. 

Under certain circumstances, mild depression goes away by itself. However, without treatment, the illness lasts longer, can recur again at a later point in time or can become chronic. The decisive factor is the level of suffering: how much does the illness impact the affected person’s work, everyday life and free time? Professional help for depression is required when the life of the affected person and their relatives is severely impacted or if they have suicidal thoughts.

Do you think that you might be depressed? Our self-test can help you to get a better idea of the situation. 

General practitioner

• The first point of contact for suspected depression: for diagnostic consultation, physical examination
• Makes a diagnosis, presents treatment options
• Treats mild depression, prescribes psychotherapy when required

Psychiatrist

• A specialist for mental illnesses with expert knowledge of the origin, diagnosis and treatment of depression
• Treatment with medication and psychotherapy

Psychotherapist

• Psychologist with therapeutic training
• In psychotherapy, patients learn new strategies for managing their life (e.g. behaviour therapy)
• Cannot prescribe medication

Psychiatric clinic

• In the case of severe depression with severe symptoms, such as risk of suicide
• Treated with medication and psychotherapy, range of therapies
• Length of stay is generally four to eight weeks
• Outpatient therapy also possible (day/week stays)

Depression is primarily treated using psychotherapy. Specialists may recommend other measures to treat it, such as medication or exercise.

Complementary medicine such as herbal medicine and relaxation techniques for dealing with stress, such as mindfulness training, can also help. 

Many people affected by depression also find physical and creative forms of therapy, such as art, creative, movement and music therapy, helpful. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Our health consultation team will be happy to help you. Please note that not all types of therapy are covered by your insurance.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy treats mental problems that disrupt a person’s thoughts, feelings and actions. It can be carried out either as inpatient or outpatient treatment at a clinic, individually or in a group.

There are various types of psychotherapy. Every type of therapy is based on its own theory and has different treatment approaches. Behaviour therapy is one of the most common and researched psychotherapies. It involves finding new strategies for solving problems and practising beneficial behaviours. Other types of therapy include psychodynamic psychotherapy and systemic therapy.

Antidepressants

In cases of moderate to severe depression, specialists may also prescribe antidepressants. There are many different types of antidepressant, each of which affects the brain differently. Depending on the compound, they can have a motivating, mood-lifting, anxiolytic or calming effect. People react differently to the ways the various antidepressants work. They may also experience side effects such as difficulty sleeping, nausea or headaches. You should therefore discuss your options with your doctor.

Herbal antidepressants

The mood-lifting St. John’s wort is used to treat mild to moderate depression. Similar to chemical antidepressants, it balances the transmitters in the central nervous system. St. John’s wort can have side-effects with other medications, such as the contraceptive pill, and it cannot be combined with other antidepressants. Consult your doctor before taking St. John’s wort.

Light therapy

Light therapy can help with winter depression. Seasonal depression occurs in autumn and winter when the days are shorter and we get less sunlight. Because our bodies produce more of the sleep hormone melatonin when it is dark, we feel more tired during the day. Daylight increases the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and ensures that the body produces less melatonin.

When daily walks in the fresh air are no longer enough, light therapy can be a good option. There are special daylight therapy lamps that have at least 10,000 lux. Light therapy involves looking at a light every morning for at least 30 minutes during the winter.