Reasons to Seek Counseling While Taking Antidepressants
Jun 12, 2019
Prescription antidepressants are now a safe and common way to treat depression. Anyone taking antidepressants should be doing so under the care of a doctor who monitors dosage, symptoms, and side effects. In addition to being under a doctor's care, here are just a few reasons why receiving counseling while taking antidepressants is highly beneficial to you.
Stay focused on your treatment:
Unlike a doctor who sees you for medication management, a counselor is available to see you more frequently, as often as once a week, and possibly more under special circumstances. A counselor can help keep you on track through regular visits and discussions about your treatment goals and progress. Additionally, by making the commitment to meet with a counselor on a regular basis, you are making a commitment to your health and will be more likely to stick with treatment overall.
Build strategies to cope with symptoms naturally:
A counselor can help you identify coping strategies you can use whenever you feel your symptoms returning. Even when medications are working at their best, we all run into difficult patches that we must work our way through. A counselor can help you identify possible triggers and when your symptoms are returning. A counselor can help you develop tools, or coping mechanisms, to deal with those symptoms of depression as they come up.
Use medication as a tool to address underlying issues:
Medication is just one tool you can use to cope with your symptoms. Once you learn to identify medication as a tool, you can use it to explore some of the deeper issues that may be at the root of your depression. By working closely with your counselor, through a variety of therapies, you can identify and address some of those issues and begin to heal from them.
Prepare and talk about changing or coming off of medication:
There will be a point when you think about coming off of medication. You will likely need extra support at that time. A counselor can help you during such a critical period through encouragement and support, and reinforcement of natural coping techniques. If you are not fully ready to come off of medication but are considering it, a counselor can talk to you about your treatment options, and help you weigh the risks and benefits of your decision.
Whether combined with medication or on its own, depression counseling has many benefits. Contact us to discuss your treatment options and how we can help you on your path to recovery.