Depression is a common mental illness; and it has once again comes under the spotlight due to the recent cases of celebrity suicide happened in Korea.

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When most people experienced a mentally hard hit due to the stress that derived from their work, emotion, and economic pressures, however they are unable to cope or fight against it, and all these mental stimulations will eventually lead to the break out of depression.

Generally, the symptoms of depression are downhearted, loss of interest in pleasurable things, loss of attention, loss of energy, sleeping and diet disorder, and low self-esteem. More importantly, it caused the ability to get on with lives to be weakened, decrease of vocational functioning, and low productivity. The two classic signs of depression will be downhearted and loss of interest in pleasurable things. If the symptoms go on for two weeks and more, the patient must be treated.

Patients with minor depression, or newly diagnosed with such mental illness, generally preferred self-help method, support from family and friends and reading books as their choice of recovery process. They don’t usually directly seek for professional therapy as they may afraid of the others’ judgmental perspective towards them, or being labeled by the society. Some patients also may seek help from the community counselor. However, if the patient’s condition hasn’t been improved within one or two months, or it’s worsen, then professional assistance must be sought. The professional treatment for depression mainly in charged by psychiatrist, clinical psychologist and other qualified professionals.

Why is it important to seek for professional treatment?

1. The condition of each depression patient varies accordingly. Before the therapy begins, the analysis of other implicit psychological or mental conditions, substance abuse behavior, suicidal tendencies are significant in generating a complete and precise diagnosis as it will determine the treatment which best fit the patient, as well as the need for hospitalization and so on. In general, patients with other severe mental conditions, or intended and planned for suicide, are all required for hospitalization.
2. If the patient has the motive for recovery and cooperation, the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will be the common treatment. Of course, there are various type of other treatments available, but it will be depending on the patient’s condition. During the therapy session, the patient’s depressive and negative thoughts will be the focus area of treatment. If necessary, medication will be given by the psychiatrist.
3. Besides, the therapist will be giving a psychological education on depression to the patient and his/her family members, in order for both parties correctly understand on depression and its coping methods. Meanwhile, the family members are able to offer support to the patient in a rightful manner.
4. The therapist also will educate the patient on his/her ability to deal with depression in daily life, such as rectify daily routine, cultivate problem solving skills, enhance sleeping quality, social ability and enthusiasm and so on, in order for the patient gradually restore to usual quality of life.
5. Next, the therapist will continuously supervise and ensure the patient’s recovery progress.

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