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Hannah Casagrande
Personally impacted by depression
English 2010
Matt Stockett
4/1/16

Which is better to Treat Depression: Medication or Therapy?

Many argue that medication is the way to overcome depression and many argue
that intensive therapy is the way to go. But the question is, Which treatment is more
effective? Therapy is a very personal treatment that requires time and commitment. This
includes meeting with a therapist on a regular basis to help process situations that have
impacted you in all aspects of your life. I believe therapy is much more effective at
treating depression than antidepressants because it allows you to discover the core issues,
allows you to fix them in a healthy environment, and allows you to heal.
Depression is defined as a major depressive disorder that is caused by a
combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression
causes severe symptoms that can affect how one feels, thinks, and acts. Symptoms of
depression include: guilt, loss of interest, irritability, lack of motivation, thoughts of death
or suicide, suicidal attempts, closed off, and many more.
Antidepressants are drugs used towards the treatment of depression, anxiety
disorders, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, chemical imbalance, etc. If working properly,
they can help relieve symptoms, balance certain chemicals in the brain, and create an

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increase in serotonin. While this sounds great, not everyone reacts to antidepressants the
same way. Depending on the medication, side effects can differ; in most cases, people
report side effects such as nausea, trouble sleeping, weight gain, a decrease in sexual
desire, a zombie-like state, and an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A big difference between antidepressants and talk therapy is that antidepressants
are more likely to have short-term effects whereas talk therapy is more likely to have
long-term effects. As stated in the WebMD article, Taking Antidepressants: Truth about
Side Effects: Antidepressants cant make you forget your problems, but they may make
it easier for you to deal with them. Being depressed can distort your perception of your
problems and sap you of the energy to address difficult issues (WebMD). In talk therapy,
you are given the opportunity to understand the issues and deal with it rather than taking
something that helps you temporarily forget about the issue or to numb the pain.
Commitment is ideal in any treatment that you decide take; without it, theres not
much room for personal growth and improvement. While therapy can be a very effective
route it is also the most difficult. It requires finding the right therapist, having the money
to receive the treatment necessary for your circumstances, and it requires you to hit rock
bottom before you can pick yourself back up.
Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. from HelpGuide.org stated:
Therapy can be an effective treatment for mental and emotional problems. But in order
to reap its benefits, its important to choose the right therapistsomeone you trust who
makes you feel cared for and has the experience to help you make changes for the better
in your life. A good therapist helps you to become stronger and more self-aware. But your
therapist cannot do the work for you; in order to make the most of your sessions, you

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must be an active participant (Smith; Segal). There might be a few trial-and-errors
before you find the perfect therapist. When looking for a therapist, trust your gut. Even if
all the proof of him/her being a certified and a great therapist is on a piece of paper, if
there is no connection or the connection doesnt feel right, continue with your search.
Scientia Professor, Gordon Parker, stated: Therapists with a narrow treatment approach
will generally fail to be of any assistance to people who suffer from such conditions
(depression and bipolar disorder.) But sadly, as per the aphorism if all you have is a
hammer, then everything looks like a nail, some therapists reject any possibility they
might be providing totally inappropriate treatment (Parker).
Therapy gives you the tools to transform and make your life whole again. You must
find the motivation and drive within yourself to push through the challenges, be
vulnerable and honest, and have a positive outlook for the future. There are many steps
that one could take to improve the symptoms of depression. Making healthy lifestyle
changes is a great way to get back on track. Time management, exercise, meditation, a
well balanced diet, and having a hobby are just a few of the many healthy lifestyle
choices that you can incorporate into your life
Learn as much as you can about your depression, take the time to find the right
treatment, get social support, discover hobbies, make healthy lifestyle changes and push
yourself to the limit. Depression is not permanent and there are many ways to overcome
it, you just have to apply yourself and know that there are people that love you, care for
you and want whats best for you.

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Works Cited

Friedman, Richard A., M.D. "To Treat Depression, Drugs or Therapy?" Well To Treat
Depression Drugs or Therapy Comments. The New York Times, 8 Jan. 2015. Web. 03
Mar. 2016.

Goldberg, Joseph, M.D. "Taking Antidepressants: Truth About Side Effects." WebMD.
WebMD, 2 Jan. 2015. Web. 03 Mar. 2016.

Parker, Gordon. "Talking Therapies Can Harm Too Here's What to Look out for."
The Conversation. UNSW Australia, 13 Aug. 2014. Web. 03 Mar. 2016.

Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Finding a Therapist Who Can Heal
You.: Getting the Most out of Therapy. HelpGuide.org, Feb. 2016. Web. 31 Mar.
2016.
Saisan, Joanna, M.S.W., Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D.
"Depression Treatment.": Therapy, Medication, and Lifestyle Changes That Can
Help Depression. HelpGuide.org, Feb. 2016. Web. 03 Mar. 2016.