The course of the treatment

It is important to stress that depression can and should be treated. Perhaps you are one of the many people suffering from depression, yet you still don't feel obliged to take sick leave. It may be that you think depression is not hindering you much. Or perhaps you do not feel so affected by the depression that you should go to the doctor or psychiatrist.

If you have been feeling down for some time, we advise you to contact your family doctor. He or she will be able to give you the right treatment or refer you to a practising psychiatrist. If the psychiatrist believes that you are unwell, he or she may suggest admission to a psychiatric ward. Read more about admission here.

Antidepressants

The primary treatment for moderate to severe depression is antidepressants, possibly in combination with psychotherapy. Many new antidepressants have become available in recent years. These new medicines are much more effective and also have less side effects than the older medicines. The side-effects are usually mild and temporary. It is also a myth that antidepressants are addictive. Read more about treatment here.

Psychotherapy and other forms of therapy

If you have a mild depression, psychotherapy can be just as effective as medicine during the acute phase. Read more about psychotherapy here.

If you receive the right treatment, depression can be treated. You will normally take a few weeks to recover.

If you are at home, you can find activities that you enjoy, either on your own or with a family member and/or friends. You can start by planning a physically enjoyable daily activity.

The aim is for you to structure your day. By keeping active, you will find it easier to get though your day. Keeping yourself occupied will also stop you from having negative thoughts. Negative thoughts start a vicious spiral. Negative thoughts also give rise to uneaseness and tension.

Be patient

Antidepressants only start to take effect after at least a couple of weeks. The first couple of weeks can be very difficult for you to get through. You may start to doubt whether the doctor was telling you the truth when he explained the effects of the medicine to you.

Of course the doctor was telling the truth! But everyone who is treated with antidepressants should be patient. It can be difficult. Therefore, you will  need maximum support and encouragement during this period.