Those who may have mild to moderate depression could benefit from talk therapy.
"The expression ‘talk it out’ actually has some science behind it — research shows that depression often responds well to a combination of antidepressant medication and talk therapy,"
Everyday Health said. To be most helpful, however, talk therapy must be used effectively by both you and the therapist you’re working with."
University of South Alabama
psychology Professor Larry Christensen told WebMD: “Talk therapy can give you the skills to help handle your depression, so for many people it’s a very empowering experience. This makes it effective over a long period of time.”
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For those suffering with major depression, talk therapy may not work, according to experts who say a person could need medication as well as hospitalization, prescribed by a psychiatrist.
Therapists are trained in depression therapy. But patients must listen and do what they are asked for such treatment to work.
“Listen to what the therapist is telling you, cooperate, and do the exercises you are asked to do, whether you feel like it or not,” psychotherapist Tina Tessina, told Everyday Health.
“Talk therapy isn’t magic — you have to follow instructions and face your fear, anger, and resentment in order to relieve the depression," she added. "For example, if your therapist assigns affirmations as part of your depression therapy, do them as asked — you won’t believe them at first, but they can and will change your attitude over time.”
WebMD described two types of talk therapy: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy.
CBT focuses on "how negative thought patterns may be affecting your mood. The therapist helps you learn how to make positive changes in your thoughts and behaviors," WebMD said.
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In interpersonal therapy, patients focus on themselves and how they relate to others, seeking to improve personal relationships.
"Both types of therapy can be effective in treating depression," WebMD said.
Time magazine, in a 2013 story, noted that a combo of both medication and treatments that stimulate the brain, including talk therapy, may be the best protocol for depression.
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