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Antidepressant medicines, prescribed and monitored by a physician (usually a
psychiatrist or primary care doctor), are usually effective in relieving
symptoms of depression such as sleep and appetite changes and decreased
energy. As an individual's mood lifts, the depressive pessimism,
helplessness, and self-criticism also begin to lessen. As recovery
progresses, more and more of the "old self" returns. Investment in and
energy for emotional and sexual intimacy increases.
When people talk to their healthcare
professionals about the possibility of taking antidepressants, it is important
for them to be as fully informed as possible about the medication. It is
important to find out the following:
 | what the doctor expects the
medication to do |
| the recommended dosage and timing of
taking the medicine |
| how long before the drug can be
expected to begin to relieve symptoms of depression |
| interactions with other prescription
and nonprescription drugs the patient may be taking, including alcohol |
| how and when the patient and their
healthcare professional will evaluate their progress on the medicine |
| common side effects, including
effects on sexual function and desire |
Patients should not make changes or
discontinue the prescribed medicine without consulting their doctor. They
should also consult their healthcare professional if they are experiencing any
problems.
Psychotherapies developed specifically
for the treatment of depression can be useful in treating depression and
preventing future episodes. Individual psychotherapy can help people:
| identify sources of stress |
| evaluate life choices |
| examine the ways they think about
themselves, their relationships, and their future |
Even with successful medical
treatment, depression's disconnecting influence on intimate relationships may
still present problems. It's important to remember that people usually
don't get depressed overnight, and they usually don't recover in that time frame
either. Getting a relationship back on track requires honesty,
persistence, patience, and realistic expectations for both partners. Some
find their way back to each other on their own. Others benefit from
marital or couples psychotherapy, which can help both partners:
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understand the
impact of depression on their relationship
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find new ways of
relating that may relieve symptoms of depression
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strengthen the
partner's supportiveness and the sense of intimacy in the relationship
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People who have endured depression alone
have different challenges to face. Thinking about everything it takes to start a
new relationship can be a scary thing. Even as depression lifts, people's
self-confidence, particularly their social self-confidence, may feel shaky. It
is easy to see old difficulties and loneliness as "proof" that no one
could possibly find them interesting and attractive. The longer these thoughts
stick around, the more trouble they'll make in getting and keeping close
relationships. It's important to focus on:
| forming reasonable expectations
about the process of finding new connections |
| taking small steps, for example,
feeling good about a brief phone call they initiate or a casual invitation
they accept |
| starting with less demanding
interactions where social pressure doesn't feel overwhelming, like sharing
a movie rather than dinner at a restaurant |
| sharing concerns with others who've
recovered from depression |
If depression is affecting
you or someone you care about, please call:
FindingStone Counseling Center
4450 North 12th Street
Suite 210
Phoenix, Arizona 85014
602-234-0541
or e-mail us at: mailto:info@findingstone.com
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