If you have been depressed, you can reduce the risk of relapse through counseling or medication. Knowledge of the disease also increases your ability to handle it.
If you learn to recognize early warning signs, you can reduce the risk of getting sick again by doing the things that make you feel good. It can for example be to meet with family and friends or to exercise regularly. It is very important that you do not pull yourself away and become passive. It increases the risk of suffering from depression again.
Ask for advice
Wondering about something? Maybe someone else wondered the same thing. In the Find questions and answers, you can look up your question or ask your own question for health care workers. Those responsible have unfortunately not able to answer all questions.
Medical treatment
Consult your GP if you suspect you have a depression. In order to avoid the depression becomes worse, it is good to seek help early. If the depression becomes deeper and you have suicidal thoughts, it is very important that you immediately seek help. Please contact as soon as your GP or a psychiatric outpatient clinic.
Treatment of Depression
The doctor makes a diagnosis based on your symptoms. What you get for treatment depends partly on how deep your depression is.
Often so-called rating scales to see how your treatment is working. The rating scale, type, or your doctor in how you feel, then you can see how the treatment goes over time. There are two types of rating scales, one for your doctor and one for you. These can be used together or separately.
Mild to moderate depression treated with psychotherapy. Among other things, cognitive psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown good results.
You can be treated with CBT via the Internet. You will then see a doctor for assessment and treatment you have contact with a psychologist over the Internet.
Other psychological treatments, such as interpersonal therapy and mindfulness, the scientific support for their effects.
ECT treatment is the most effective and quickest means for depression. ECT is an abbreviation for electroconvulsive therapy. It is also known as electroconvulsive therapy.
Pharmaceuticals
A moderate or severe depression treated with drugs. Pharmaceutical treatment is often combined with psychotherapy. Read more about recommended drugs for depression.
Advice for relatives
It is important to have support from family and friends. If you have a relative who is depressed, you can provide support by being present, listening and understanding. You may also help with practical things in everyday life, like cooking or washing.
But relatives may also need support. There you can get from a support organization, such as Association of Balance. Aid organizations can provide information and help you connect with others in a similar situation. If your relative already has contact with health care, you can also get support from the staff responsible for your relative’s care.
