PharmEasy Blog

How Do You Choose The Right Therapist?

Therapy and counselling are important aspects of treatment for a host of emotional and mental health problems. Sharing your thoughts and feelings or simply talking about something that’s weighing you down with someone who not only listens to you but also cares for you, can be therapeutic.  Although sharing your problems with your close friends and family is helpful, you sometimes need extra support, an outside perspective or some expert guidance that only a therapist or counselor could provide. Therapists are professionally-trained listeners who can help you get to the root of your problems, overcome emotional challenges and make positive changes in your life.Seeking therapy does not imply that you have been diagnosed with a mental health problem. Many people go into therapy for everyday concerns like relationship troubles, job stress or self-doubt. Hence it’s important to choose a therapist you can trust, someone who is non-judgmental and patient, and who helps you become stronger and more self-aware.  

Why is therapy needed in addition to medication?

As appealing as it may sound, popping a pill each day is not a solution to your problems. Mental and emotional problems have different causes which medications alone cannot cure. The medicine helps ease symptoms but is associated with several side effects. Besides, medicines cannot fix your relationships, help you figure out what to do with your life or even give you an insight into why you continue to make unhealthy choices. Although challenging, therapy will give you long-lasting benefits that would go beyond symptomatic relief.  

What are my therapy options?

It is important to note that no one type of therapy is best and it all depends on individual preferences.  Common types of therapies include:

How can I choose the right therapist?

Medical health professionals who have advanced training and are certified by their respective boards include psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage & family therapists, family counselors, licensed professional counselors and social workers.Finding the right therapist takes time and effort. You need to find someone you can comfortably talk about difficult subjects and share intimate secrets with. Unless you have this bond with your therapist, your therapy won’t be effective.  

How can I make the most of my therapy?

Start implementing what you learn in your sessions in real life. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your therapy: Remember, it is important to evaluate your progress to ensure you’re getting what you need out of your therapy. Things won’t work out overnight. The progress will be slow, full of twists and turns. Be patient and don’t get discouraged over temporary setbacks. Work with your therapist in re-evaluating your goals and progress. However, remember that therapy isn’t a competition. Not meeting your goals in the number of sessions that you originally planned doesn’t mean that you have failed. Focus instead on overall progress and what you’ve learned along the way.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Do You Know The Different Types Of Depression?

Depression is more than just ‘feeling the blues’. It is a serious mood disorder that can have damaging effects on someone’s life and their relationships. Those who are depressed experience severe sadness and a persistent loss of interest in the activities that they previously enjoyed. It is hard to define and pinpoint by a layperson. It has far-reaching consequences as it negatively impacts a person’s ability to carry out normal functions of life. There are many types of depression. Here are some of them.

  1. Major Depressive Disorder

It is also known as Clinical Depression. The symptoms include weight changes, disturbed sleep patterns, unexplained fatigue, concentration problems and feeling suicidal or having thoughts about dying. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, the person should be diagnosed by a therapist and treatment must begin immediately.

  1. Persistent Depressive Disorder

It is also known as Dysthymia. This varies from being mild, moderate or severe. The person should have been feeling chronically depressed for more than two years. Appetite changes, sleep pattern modifications, fatigue, low self-esteem, feeling hopeless are some of the symptoms.

Not wanting to do or enjoy doing fun things, showing changes in eating patterns – eating a lot more or a lot less than usual, showing changes in sleep patterns – sleeping a lot more or a lot less than normal are some of the early signs of depression in a child, one should be aware of.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
  1. Bipolar Disorder

It is also called Manic Depression. The person experiences a range of emotions, from unbridled elation to very ‘low’ moods. The periods of elation are known as mania and can even require hospitalization. Symptoms include unexplained fatigue, insomnia, aches and pains that have no cause, low self-esteem, anxiety and irritability episodes, indecisiveness and unorganized life. Some people could also suffer from hallucinations and delusions. Patients suffering from bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of committing suicide than those suffering from other kinds of depression. Medication helps bring the mood swings under control.

Although women are at higher risk for general depression, they are also at risk for two different depression types that are influenced by reproductive hormones—perinatal depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder and these are specific types in women only.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
  1. Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder is when the person feels depressed during the winter months. Somehow people who suffer from this feel unusually low as the day duration reduces and as the amount of sunlight lessens. Treatment involves medication and light therapy.

Also Read: Navigating Bipolar Disorder: How a Person With Bipolar Thinks

  1. Psychotic Depression

People who experience this kind of depression exhibit symptoms of psychosis. They experience hallucinations and paranoia and suffer from delusions. Treatment involves using antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs.

  1. Postpartum Depression

Many women experience mild to severe depression after the birth of their child. Some experience such a severe bout that they feel unable to even hold the baby. In most cases, antidepressant medicines can cure this.

Also Read:   How Treat Depression?

  1. Situational Depression

When a person reacts to a stressful situation by feeling depressed, it is known as Situational Depression. It could be a loss of job, death in the family, an impending divorce, some physical injury or some other unhappy situation that could be affecting the mood of the person. Talking to a therapist helps in most situations.

Also Read: 11 Benefits of Laughing

Depression is not the same for everyone and even the symptoms vary from person to person. It varies from mild to more serious condition. There is a treatment for all kinds and in most cases, the treatment produces positive results.

Also Read:  Symptoms of Depression –  Physical & Mental Signs of Depression

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.