How to Help Your Patient With Depression

Everyone feels sad from time to time; it is a normal human emotion. However, a persistent sadness that lasts for more than two weeks may be depression. You can help your patient struggling with depression by providing them the treatment they need for an improved mood.

Depression treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Before you immediately treat your patient, you should get to know your patient’s depression. You need to understand the severity of their depression and whether or not their diagnosis stems from an underlying health condition. For example, hyperthyroidism can lead to depressive symptoms. 

Medications will not be the only thing that helps your client. In order for your patient to have a successful treatment journey, they need to also implement therapy, holistic methods, and lifestyle changes. Treatment will take time for your patient as they need to see what works for them. No matter how frustrating the process may be of finding the right therapist or the suitable treatment method, always instill hope in your patient.

Lifestyle changes that can be incorporated into an everyday routine can help lessen your patient’s symptoms of depression. Exercise is an excellent lifestyle change that can help boost your patient’s mood. According to Harvard Health Publishing’s article “Feel-Good Hormones: How They Affect Your Mind, Mood, and Body,” exercise can boost feel-good chemicals in the body, like serotonin and endorphins. Exercise doesn’t need to be rigorous for your patient to reap the benefits; just a walk around their neighborhood for 30 minutes can make a difference.

Other lifestyle changes your patient can implement into their routine include:

Therapy is an excellent way for your patient to gain the skills to fight their depression. In therapy, they will learn where the root of their depression comes from, their triggers, and how to stay healthy. There are many different kinds of therapy for depression, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help patients change negative thoughts into positive ones.

Group therapy can also be highly beneficial for your patient. Hearing the stories of multiple people going through the same struggles as your patient can help them feel less alone. Through group therapy, your patient can also generate ideas on what to do for their own journey and gain a social connection with others.

Medication for depression can help relieve symptoms and fix any abnormalities in your patient’s brain chemistry. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first medication your patient will be prescribed. They are considered the safest option for those struggling with depression with fewer side effects. During the process of prescribing medications, it is essential that your patient does not become frustrated if the medications they take are not working. Medication is often a process of trial and error; ensure your patient that once the right medication is found, they will see a significant difference in their depression.

Your patient may benefit from finding ways to connect with their mind and body while treating their depression. They can do this through creative methods by listening to music or dancing. Have your patient keep in mind the rhythm of every limb as it moves and their heart rate after. 

Your patient can also express their emotions through art or writing, as talking is not always simple for someone who goes through emotional pain. Your patient can also connect with their body through deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga. These techniques will allow your patient to focus on where they are now in the present moment instead of focusing on their depressive thoughts. 

If your patient’s sadness continues for more than two weeks, this can lead to numerous health issues as well as the risk of suicidal thoughts. Your patient may be afraid to reach out to others for help for fear of appearing as a burden to them. However, your patient will feel better knowing there are people in their life willing to listen and comfort them in their time of need. By encouraging your patient to keep in touch with their friends and family, they will realize that there is love all around them. 

If your client continues to struggle with depression, consider helping them find a higher level of care. At Hawaii Island Recovery, our Hawaii depression treatment center can help your patient find the healing they deserve.

Depression can leave your patient feeling sad, irritable, and lacking motivation. This mental health disorder can stem from brain chemical changes, environmental factors, family history, and more. Your patient may feel helpless in their symptoms and feel there is nothing they can do about it. The truth is that there is always something that can be done about depression as long as there are treatment opportunities available. Hawaii Island Recovery, one of the leading treatment centers in Hawaii, has all the tools your patient needs to overcome their depression. We have a team of around-the-clock specialists dedicated to making sure your patient has the highest quality of care. Located in Kailua, Hawaii, we can provide your client with a beautiful island atmosphere that promotes feelings of safety. The numerous services we provide include individualized and group therapy, art therapy, holistic services, and more. Call Hawaii Island Recovery today at (866) 390-5070 for more information about our services.