Managing your depression can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting to get treatment. There are a variety of treatments for depression, so finding the one that works best for you can require trial and error. But in many cases, two of these treatments work hand-in-hand. That’s where it gets really exciting—combining treatments can lead to faster recovery and increased chances of remission. The key to treating your depression is integrating psychiatric medication management into your treatment plan as early as possible.
What is psychiatric medication management?
Psychiatric medication management integrates psychiatric medications into your treatment plan, not just taking medications but also monitoring and weighing the benefits and risks of treatment. Psychiatric medications are designed to help treat mental health disorders like depression. However, because each person has a different genetic makeup, they may respond to medications differently, and some may even have negative side effects. Managing psychiatric medications means knowing what they are when they should be taken, and how to weigh the benefits and risks of taking them. In addition to monitoring and weighing the benefits and risks of psychiatric medications, it’s also essential to monitor and consider the benefits and risks of alternative treatments for depression, such as exercise, exercise, daily mindfulness practice, psychotherapy, and dietary changes.
How to integrate psychiatric medication management into your treatment plan
Psychiatric medication management begins by understanding your treatment options, including the benefits and risks of psychiatric medications. This can be done by consulting a mental health professional specializing in psychiatry, like a psychiatrist or a psychologist. A mental health professional can also review the medications you’re already on and suggest any changes. Psychiatrists can prescribe psychiatric medications in various forms such as oral pills, liquid suspensions, injections, implants (for hospital use), inhalers, or IVs. Know your treatment plan, as some medications require a specific administration route.
The three pillars of an effective treatment plan for depression
Medication-free therapy: Depression is a serious medical condition caused by low levels of certain chemicals in the brain. There are treatments available that can help to bring these chemicals back to normal. This can be done through medication-free therapy and/or psychotherapy.
Evidence-based treatment: Depression is a serious medical condition requiring you to follow a treatment plan that includes medications and other methods of treatment like exercise and dietary changes. The treatment plan should be evidence-based, meaning it should be based on evidence and research, not personal preference or experience.
Cognitive therapy: Depression can be treated, but it’s important to note that it will likely recur. Therefore, following a treatment plan that includes medication-free therapy and/or psychotherapy plus evidence-based treatment is essential. In addition, it’s also important to follow a treatment plan that provides cognitive therapy, as it can help you better understand the causes of your depression, which can help you better manage it.
Should you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) during a depression?
If you have a specific condition like heart disease or diabetes, your doctor may recommend taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant. An MAOI is a class of antidepressants broken down by enzymes in the body called monoamine oxidase, leading to a potentially dangerous rise in levels of certain mood-altering chemicals. If you take one of these medications, you should avoid eating foods rich in tyramine (such as certain cheeses, beer, and red wine), which can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
How to integrate evidence-based CBT for depression into your treatment plan for recovery from your deep blues
In addition to medication management, a treatment plan for depression must include evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a talk therapy that helps people identify and correct the negative thought patterns contributing to depression. It can help you understand the causes of your depression, what triggers those causes, and how to better respond to them. Evidence-based CBT for depression focuses on lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and a positive attitude, so it can also be an effective way to help treat your condition.
Conclusion
Your journey to recovery from depression starts with finding the proper treatment. The most effective treatment for depression is a combination of medication management and evidence-based therapy. In addition to these treatments, it’s also essential to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a positive outlook. If you’re struggling with depression, don’t ignore your symptoms. Instead, talk to your doctor or therapist and seek a depression treatment office. Make sure you’re taking all your medications, monitoring your diet for foods containing tyramine, and following a healthy lifestyle. There is hope, and it starts with getting treatment. If you think you might be depressed, make sure you get help. You’re not alone, and you can recover.