It is important that right from the start you become a full participant in your treatment. Be active and assertive. Ask questions. Maintain open communication with your treatment professional and let him or her know all of your concerns.
Everyone responds differently, but it's important to know that none of the treatments for depression works instantly. MDD is a serious condition and there is no miracle cure. For many people it takes weeks of hard work before they feel better, but the few weeks can mean an entire lifetime of living better. Still, be careful of any treatments that offer quick or "instant" fixes.
You must stick with a particular treatment for 4 to 8 weeks to see if it works. If you do not see significant improvement within that period, you and your healthcare professional can adjust your treatment plan. It may take a bit of trial and error before you find what works best for you. Be patient and be sure to communicate with your healthcare professional.
If your treatment involves medication, talk with your doctor about how your medication will be monitored. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to the full dose. You should know that every medication has side effects, but they usually become tolerated or diminish with time. If side effects become a problem, your doctor may advise you to stop taking the medication and/or switch you to another. If and when you and your doctor decide to stop your medication, your doctor may lower the dosage gradually.
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