Depression has a biological component; in other words, the functioning of your body is affected by depression. You may, therefore, be prescribed medication. Please make sure that you understand what to expect from the medication you are prescribed. Many of these medications do not give the desired effects immediately and you need to know if this is something you should expect. Medication often has side effects. Most of these are not a problem after a few days or weeks, but if they are really a problem you need to discuss them with your psychiatrist. Medication affects people differently and you need to give your psychiatrist feedback on your experiences.

 

Please do not just stop medication; it can make your treatment more difficult and it is dangerous to just stop some medications. Some medications have a minimum period for which they have to be taken. Please speak to your psychiatrist and make sure you know for what period you have to take your medication. Make regular follow-up appointments after you are discharged. 

 

Be careful of alcohol and medication – they do not mix well;

 

Please, no recreational drugs – they really do not mix with medication;

Check with your psychiatrist before you take any natural or traditional remedy;

And using your friend’s medication or giving them yours is a really bad idea.

Electro convulsive therapy (ECT)

ECT is sometimes used when you do not respond to other forms of treatment or when a rapid response is needed, for example when you are a serious danger to yourself. There are many scary stories about ECT, but it is often very effective and can be lifesaving. It can restore your quality of life. There are side-effects; the most common one is short-term memory loss. Your psychiatrist will discuss the benefits and dangers or disadvantages with you in detail if it is recommended for you.

Psychotherapy

There are a number of approaches that work very well with some of the mood disorders.

You will be assisted to analyse what has contributed to you developing a mood disorder, as well as factors which may be maintaining symptoms. You will be taught skills to address these issues. This can include being taught different ways of thinking, ways of managing problems in relationships, problem-solving skills and so on. Your psychologist will discuss your options regarding what forms of psychotherapy are indicated for you. You will be given indications of how most people with your type of mood disorder respond to the particular approach.

 

You will also learn more about your illness and how to recognise the development of symptoms before they become a problem, what you can do to try and prevent problems from developing in future.