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When doctors confirm that you are suffering from depression, the first treatment they will probably suggest is antidepressant medication. Antidepressants have been the go-to solution for many who have been diagnosed with depression. However, emerging research and studies question the efficacy of our automatic response to treat depression— What is the root cause of depression and what is the best way to treat it?
Reality Check on Antidepressants
Opinions of healthcare professionals vary on the efficacy of antidepressant in treating depression. Some people believe it is essential, while others doubt if they really help. However, just like other medications, it works best in some cases and not well in others. Some patients reported discontinuing their medication for depression because of the side effects. It is important that you know both the pros and cons of antidepressant and consults with your doctor.
Here are the following benefits of antidepressant:
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- Antidepressant restores your emotional balance temporarily.
- It helps relieve symptoms like anxiety, sleeping problem, and suicidal thoughts.
Depression is considered by many as a chronic illness, therefore, it should be treated with drugs. However, according to the United States National Library of Medicine, 80 percent of individuals who were previously taking antidepressants experienced a relapse.
Another study shows that out of the 14 antidepressants prescribed for youth, only one is proven
effective. Clearly, we are missing out something. According to Mark Tyrrell and Roger Elliott, the authors of The Depression Learning Path, “The truth is antidepressants only treat the symptoms, not depression itself.”
They also stated that using antidepressants as a primary weapon to treat depression is highly questionable. Not to mention, antidepressants are only effective for those who have been diagnosed with severe and chronic depression, it does not help people with mild cases.
Medication issues of antidepressant
- Slow response of patients to antidepressant medication.
The fastest time patients respond to antidepressants is two weeks, but for others, it takes 4 to 6 weeks or longer. Aside from the slow effects of antidepressant to patients, they need to have at least 2 appointments per week with their clinician for counseling and monitoring.
- It takes 6 to 12 months to see results and improvement.
The duration of drug maintenance depends on each individual. When patients decided to stop taking antidepressants, it should be slowly tapered because they will likely experience side effects such as dizziness, nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, anxiety, and irritability.
- Depression accompanied with other psychiatric conditions.
Most people who have depression need other therapy or medications for panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or mania.
Alternative Treatment for Depression
For some people who have severe depression, a lifetime of antidepressant medication is not enough. It is recommended for them to seek inpatient treatments for depression if you cannot take care of yourself properly or you are in danger of harming yourself or others. Depression can be debilitating that you feel like you can no longer function in your day-to-day living. Some people tend to self-medicate by turning to drugs and alcohol for comfort and temporary relief.
The existence of other disorders and the complexity of depression calls for a variety of treatment options, special resources, professional support, and monitoring that are present in healing centers.
At The Holistic Sanctuary, we provide the best alternative treatment for depression in a warm and nurturing environment. We always consider the “whole person” and your unique needs when creating an individualized treatment plan. Our five-star treatment facility provides a conducive environment for our patients to focus on their lifelong recovery.
If you are ready to take a step forward in your recovery, contact us here or call us at 310-601-7805.
