Light therapy is used primarily for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Patients using this treatment spend regular, therapeutic sessions bathed in light from a full-spectrum light source. Psychotherapy involves the verbal interaction between trained professionals and patients. The therapist uses techniques to help the patient gain personal insight that will allow him or her to positively change thoughts, feelings or behaviors. Living with Depression .
Depression can make a person feel fatigued, worthless, helpless and hopeless.
It is important to realize these feelings are a result of the depression and do not accurately reflect a person's true situation. How Family and Friends Can Help . The most important thing family and friends can do for the depressed person is to help him or her get treatment. This may involve encouraging the patient to stay with the treatment, going with the patient to the doctor, or even monitoring whether the patient is taking medication. Another important way to help is to offer emotional support - understanding, patience, affection and encouragement.