Advice from your Doctor

'The Doctors diagnosed me as manic depressive with an obsessive disorder and I began to receive counselling and medication. In a way it was a relief. I had been struggling for so long and suddenly I didn't have to.'
- Frank Bruno

There are a number of different treatments available for depression, depending on how long it has been going on for, and how much it is disrupting people's lives. Your family Doctor will be able to take you through what support is available in your area, give advice on what you can do to help yourself. There are two main options open to your Doctor...

Talking Treatments

Anti-depressants

Talking Treatments

Talking Treatments, like counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy or psychotherapy can really help. They aim to help people to understand where the feelings could be coming from and learn new ways of coping. Talking treatments can also prevent depression in the future.

Your Doctor may advise you to go for some form of talking treatment.

Not all counselling need to involve your Doctor - perhaps there is a counselling service at your school or college, or in your local area.

Anti-depressants[^ top]

If you are under 18 your Doctor, as their first choice, may not want to give you Anti-depressants as there are some questions around how well they work for young people. Generally for under 18's, talking treatments are seen as more effective. It might be useful for you to discuss this with your Doctor as they will be the person making the decision on whether anti-depressants are appropriate.

Anti-depressants aim to restore the 'mood' chemicals in our brains to a healthy level. When anti-depressants start to work people may notice:

• - Their low mood lifts
• - Better concentration levels
• - Their sleeping patterns improve
• - Energy levels increase
• - Eating returns to normal
• - Feel more able to cope and make decisions

Anti-depressants are not stimulant drugs so you won't get any immediate 'buzz' effect. It can take between two and eight weeks before any benefit is felt.

If you do decide to use anti-depressants then it is really important that you follow the guidelines and have frequent contact with your Doctor. Your Doctor will be able to help you make sure the antidepressants are working the way they should be, and that you stop taking them safely.

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