Sometimes we think, "Why is this happening to me? I always have problems with the people around me." When relationships with family, friends, and work go awry, we feel a lot of pressure. Sometimes this can even lead to depression . At such times, we are talking about a special treatment method that can help us build our human relationships and also create mental well-being.
What is Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)?
Simply put, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on the interpersonal relationships you have with other people in your life that affect your mental health. The word "interpersonal" literally means "relationships between people."
In this type of therapy, you work with a professional, such as a counselor or psychologist, to better understand your feelings and how they affect your relationships. You also learn how to get support from those who love you.
IPT treatment usually consists of a limited number of sessions. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend medication along with this treatment to help you better manage your mental health.
What types of conditions does this treatment help with?
IPT is most commonly and successfully used for people with Major Depressive Disorder , the depression we all know. There is much stronger evidence for the effectiveness of IPT for this condition than for other mental health conditions.
IPT is a primary treatment for depression in anyone from young to old, and can help manage and maintain the condition. It is usually recommended once a week for 12 to 16 weeks.
But it's important to remember that there are other treatments that can help with depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) . Because everyone is different, you may find that one treatment works better for you than another.
IPT treatment can also be used for the following other mental health conditions:
| Condition | A short description |
|---|---|
| Bulimia Nervosa | A behavioral problem related to eating. |
| Binge Eating Disorder | A condition of eating excessively in a short period of time. |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | Stress that occurs after a traumatic event. |
| Anxiety Disorders | Situations of excessive anxiety and fear. |
How does this IPT treatment work?
The basic principle of IPT treatment is very simple. It's like a cycle.
1. Problems in your relationships directly affect your mood.
2. When you make those connections, your mood and mental symptoms will improve.
3. When you feel better, you will be able to maintain your relationships better.
That means this cycle of improvement continues. As you improve your relationships with others, your symptoms will decrease.
Your counselor will create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can talk openly about your life and relationship issues. They will look at the challenges you face from an outside perspective and help you work through them.
These are the questions that are most discussed in IPT:
- Stressful life events: Something like losing a job at an unexpected time.
- Grief and bereavement: Things like the death of a loved one.
- Disputes with others: Frequent fights with spouse.
- Big life changes: things like getting married, having a child, moving to a new city.
- Social isolation: Feeling alone without friends.
Your counselor will talk to you about these issues and how they affect you, while also helping you find support from your community and improving the quality of your relationships.
One of the most important things that counselors emphasize in IPT therapy is that you are not responsible for your mental health. This means that it is not your fault. However, they also show you that you have the power to heal yourself by addressing the relationship issues that are triggering your symptoms.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment?
One of the biggest benefits of IPT is that you gain a better understanding of your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and how they affect your relationships. After IPT, many people learn to relate to others in healthier ways . This treatment will not make your problems in life go away, but you will learn to deal with them more positively.
Additionally, research has shown that taking medication along with IPT treatment is more effective than taking medication alone for depression.
On the downside, you may sometimes feel a little more uncomfortable during therapy. This is because you will start talking about the painful things that are deep inside you. But don't worry, your counselor will help you work through those feelings.
How do I find a mentor who is right for me?
Finding the right counselor for you can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, but don't be discouraged. You can ask your family doctor, or a trusted friend or family member, about someone who does IPT.
When seeking advice, it is very important to ensure that the person is a government-recognized qualified professional . For example:
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Certified Counselor
- Social Worker
Also, find out if the person you choose treats your problem (e.g., depression, anxiety). Before choosing, don't hesitate to call their office or email them to ask for details.
Important: If you are having suicidal thoughts, see a doctor immediately. You can also call 1926 (National Mental Health Helpline) or 1333 (CCCline) for help. They are available 24/7 to help you.
Take-Home Message
- IPT is a talking therapy that focuses on improving your interpersonal relationships and treating conditions like depression.
- This is a short-term, planned treatment regimen, usually lasting 12-16 weeks.
- Through this, you can learn the skills you need to recognize how your relationship problems are affecting your mood and manage them.
- Having a mental illness is not your fault. But with the right help, you have the ability to recover.
- Never hesitate to ask for help. Talk to your doctor to see if IPT is right for you.
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