What are the methods for counseling and resolving severe depression

The main methods for alleviating severe depression include psychological therapy, medication therapy, social support intervention, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustment. Severe depression is a serious mental health problem that requires a professional medical team to develop personalized plans.

1. Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy improves emotions by correcting negative thinking patterns and is suitable for patients with suicidal ideation or long-term low mood. Interpersonal therapy focuses on rebuilding social function and can alleviate depressive symptoms caused by interpersonal conflicts. Acceptance and commitment therapy helps patients accept painful emotions and establish value oriented behaviors, with significant effects on recurrent depression. Treatment should be led by a psychiatrist or psychotherapist, with 1-3 systemic interventions per week.

2. Drug therapy

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules can regulate neurotransmitters in the brain and improve mood swings that persist for more than two weeks. Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as venlafaxine hydrochloride sustained-release tablets are suitable for depressed patients with accompanying physical pain symptoms. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets can be used as second-line drugs, but electrocardiogram changes need to be monitored. The use of medication must strictly follow the advice of a psychiatrist to avoid sudden withdrawal reactions.

3. Social Support Intervention

Family therapy improves communication among family members and reduces the high-risk environment of excessive emotional expression and criticism. Vocational rehabilitation training helps restore social function and is suitable for patients with decreased work ability due to depression. Joining a patient support group can reduce the sense of shame, but it should be done under the guidance of a professional organization to avoid negative emotional contagion. It is recommended that family members participate in the patient's daily activity arrangements to avoid prolonged solitude.

4. Physical therapy

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation regulates the activity of the prefrontal cortex through magnetic fields, which has auxiliary therapeutic effects on drug resistant depression. Improved electroconvulsive therapy is suitable for acute attacks accompanied by severe suicidal tendencies or stiffness, and requires hospitalization for implementation. Light therapy has a clear effect on seasonal depression, using a 10000 lux light box for 30 minutes every morning. These treatments need to be evaluated by a psychiatrist and coordinated with other intervention methods.

5. Lifestyle Adjustment

Regular moderate intensity aerobic exercise such as brisk walking or swimming, 3-5 times a week, can promote the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Maintaining 7-9 hours of sleep daily can help maintain emotional stability and avoid using electronic devices at night. The Mediterranean dietary pattern supplements omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, reducing refined sugar intake. Establish a stable daily routine and incorporate basic activities such as household chores into the rehabilitation plan. Patients with severe depression need to establish long-term follow-up records in the psychiatric department and undergo regular follow-up visits to evaluate treatment effectiveness. Family members should learn warning signals for depression, such as changes in sleep rhythm or sudden loss of appetite, and promptly contact the attending physician. During the rehabilitation period, avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages, and gradually control the intensity of social activities. It is recommended to keep a diary of emotional changes in conjunction with treatment. In emergency situations, you can call the psychological assistance hotline for support. The environmental layout should adopt bright color tones and preserve safe activity space to prevent self injury behavior.