Sometimes in our lives, we feel very burdened, lonely, and sad, don't we? There are times when our minds are confused and we feel so down that we can't do anything because of problems with family, friends, or work. Have you ever thought that problems in relationships like these directly affect your mental health? Today, we are going to talk about a very effective treatment method that finds a solution to that very problem.
Simply put, what is IPT?
The full name of IPT is Interpersonal Psychotherapy . In Sinhala, it can be said as "Interpersonal Psychotherapy". But when you say it like that, it's a little difficult to understand, isn't it?
Okay, let's put it this way. "Interpersonal" means "relationships between people. " "Psychotherapy" is a form of treatment that provides psychological well-being through talking. So, simply put, IPT is a special type of talk therapy that helps you reduce stress, sadness, and anxiety, and improve your relationships with other people in your life.
In this treatment, you work with a mental health professional , such as a psychologist, to gain a better understanding of your emotions and how they affect your relationships. You also learn how to get support from your loved ones during difficult times.
IPT treatment usually consists of a limited number of sessions. Sometimes, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help manage your mood along with this treatment.
What types of mental health problems does IPT treatment help with?
Psychologists and other mental health professionals use IPT most often to help people with major depressive disorder . Compared to other mental health conditions, there is strong evidence that IPT is effective for depression.
IPT can be used as a primary treatment for depression or as a long-term treatment for anyone from young to old. It is usually recommended to receive this treatment once a week for 12 to 16 weeks.
But it's also important to remember that there are other treatments that can help manage depression. For example , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) . Every person is different. So, one treatment may work better for you than another. You can talk to your doctor about what's best for you.
In addition to depression, IPT treatment can also help manage the following mental health conditions:
- Bulimia nervosa - An eating disorder characterized by binge eating and then attempting to purge.
- Binge eating disorder - a disorder of uncontrolled excessive eating.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - a mental condition that occurs after a severe traumatic event.
- Anxiety disorders - conditions that cause excessive fear and worry.
How does this IPT treatment work?
The basic principles of IPT treatment are:
The problematic relationships in your life are directly related to your current mood. Improving these relationships can improve your mood and mental health symptoms. And when your mood and symptoms improve, your relationships will improve even more.
Simply put, it's like a vicious cycle. The better your relationships with others are, the better your symptoms will be. The better your symptoms are, the stronger your relationships will be.
During this treatment process, your therapist will create a supportive, non-judgmental, and safe environment where you can talk openly about any issues or relationship problems you may have without fear.
There are several problem areas that are mainly addressed in IPT treatment. Let's take a closer look at them.
| Problematic area | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Grief and bereavement | How to deal with the grief and anxiety that comes with an event like the death of a loved one. Sometimes this grief can linger in the mind for a long time. |
| Interpersonal Role Disputes | Frequent conflicts with spouse, children, parents, boss, or colleagues. These conflicts can arise because both parties have different needs. |
| Role Transitions | Major life changes. For example, stress caused by getting married, having a child, changing jobs, retiring, or moving to a new city. |
| Interpersonal Deficits | Difficulty starting new relationships or maintaining existing ones. Feeling isolated and alone from society. |
Your therapist will talk to you about these challenges and how they affect your mood. At the same time, they will help you find social support and improve the quality of your relationships.
The most important thing is that IPT therapists always tell you, "You are not to blame for your mental health." Instead, they empower you to heal yourself by addressing the relationship issues that may be causing your symptoms.
This treatment is not something that will give you instant results. Sometimes it takes time, and you may have to talk about things that are difficult for you. Think of your therapist as a partner who is on this journey with you. As you work together toward your goals, you will see your own progress over time.
What are the benefits and challenges of this treatment?
Through IPT therapy, you gain a better understanding of your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, as well as how they affect your relationships and mood. After treatment, many people begin to adopt healthier ways of relating to others.
IPT therapy won't eliminate the stressful events in your life, but it will help you cope with them more positively and improve your overall mental health.
Additionally, studies have shown that IPT therapy combined with medication (such as antidepressants) is more effective than medication alone in managing depression.
Sometimes, during therapy, you may feel a little more emotional. That's normal. This is because you may be talking about painful feelings that have been buried deep inside. But don't worry. Your therapist will help you deal with these feelings. You can also use the skills you learn to overcome these negative feelings.
How long should I receive this treatment?
IPT treatment typically lasts for 12 to 16 weeks. However, because everyone is different and mental health conditions are complex, the duration of treatment can vary from person to person.
Don't be discouraged by the thought of the time it will take to get your thoughts and feelings under control and achieve a better quality of life. The important thing is that you have asked for help. Even a small improvement is a big victory.
When should I see a doctor?
It's normal to feel uncomfortable during treatment. However, if your mental symptoms get worse, see your doctor immediately.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, do not delay and see a doctor or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). There are also special phone numbers in Sri Lanka where you can get help for this. You can get help by calling the National Institute of Mental Health's hotline 1926 or organizations like Sumithrayo. You are not alone, there is always someone to help you.
How do I find a therapist who does IPT?
Finding the right therapist for you can sometimes take some time, but don't give up.
- Ask your family doctor (GP): Ask about a good psychologist or psychiatrist who does IPT.
- Ask trusted friends or family: they may know about this.
- Refer to a doctor's referral: A psychiatrist or psychologist are qualified to do this.
Make sure any therapist you choose is a state-approved, licensed mental health counselor . Also, make sure they treat your problem (such as depression, eating disorders, anxiety).
Admitting that you have a mental health problem and asking for help can be a big challenge. But it's one of the biggest things you can do for yourself. IPT can help you understand the roadblocks that are causing your depression and help you overcome them.
Take-Home Message
- IPT is an effective talk therapy that focuses on the connection between your relationships and your mood.
- IPT treatment has been proven to be very effective, especially for depression.
- This is a short-term treatment, usually 12-16 weeks.
- This therapy doesn't blame you. Instead, it teaches you the skills you need to solve problems in your relationships.
- If you are experiencing depression, never be afraid to talk to your doctor about whether IPT treatment is right for you.
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