First, understand that you aren’t alone. There are numerous supports available if you feel trapped or overwhelmed and can’t find a way out.
You’re not alone.
If you need immediate help, there are resources you can reach out to:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
- Call the Samaritans 24-Hour Crisis Helpline at (877) 870-4673 (HOPE).
- If you have a mental health or substance use concern, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-4357.
- Not in the United States? Search for a helpline in your nation via Befrienders Worldwide.
Depression is multifaceted and can present differently for different people. Managing symptoms and treating depression varies too.
Some people find relief through movement and creative outlets, others prefer talking therapies or journaling. Some individuals struggle to seek help, while others need medication to address biochemical imbalances.
Whatever the situation, depression can be manageable with the appropriate tools and information.
Below are various approaches for getting help with depression — including medications, psychotherapy, peer support, and lifestyle adjustments — plus some useful resources.
Therapy for depression
If you’re experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms, certain kinds of therapy with a qualified clinician may be beneficial. Many mental health professionals recommend trying therapy before medication.
However, for severe depression, clinicians may suggest combining therapy with medication.
Talk therapy
Talk therapy involves sharing your worries and emotions with a trained mental health professional. This form of therapy can be helpful when you want a compassionate listener who can offer guidance in a confidential setting.
A therapist can help you spot thought or behavior patterns that contribute to your low mood. Talk therapy can resolve short-term or mild depression and can support treatment of severe depression when used alongside other treatments such as medication.
Cognitive therapy
If you notice recurring unhelpful thoughts and want to break the cycle, cognitive therapy might be suitable. It focuses on identifying the negative beliefs and feelings that worsen depression.
This approach helps you recognize unproductive thought patterns and replace them with healthier alternatives. Cognitive therapy is often brief, typically lasting from about six weeks to four months.
Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy assists in identifying and altering potentially harmful or unhealthy behaviors. The premise is that behaviors are learned and that maladaptive ones can be changed.
Behavioral therapy commonly helps people participate in activities that boost well-being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT merges cognitive and behavioral approaches and is a psychotherapy that helps you modify thinking patterns to improve emotions and actions. If you’re struggling with mood and behavior, CBT may be an effective choice.
Online therapy options
We gathered a few notable online therapy services. Some of our recommendations include:
- Brightside Health, which offers a Crisis Care platform for people at higher risk of self-harm. In addition to that service, Brightside provides both therapy and psychiatric care. Read our full review.
- Calmerry, an accessible option for those new to therapy. It provides text-based therapy as well as live sessions. Text therapy can help ease you into face-to-face conversations with a professional. Read our full review.
- Talkspace, notable for scheduling flexibility. It offers therapy and psychiatry services. Read our full review.
Medications for depression
Although neurotransmitter imbalances can contribute to depression, they are just one factor — depression has multiple causes. Antidepressant medications are a common element of treatment, but they aren’t always necessary.
Some people use medication short-term to address an episode, others take them long-term, and some don’t use them at all. There is no shame in using medication for depression; many people benefit from the additional support they provide.
A clinician will weigh several aspects before prescribing medication, such as:
- potential side effects
- your overall health conditions
- possible interactions with other drugs
- cost considerations
- your particular symptoms
Common categories of medications used for depression include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs often have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. Fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro) are in this class.
Depression is associated with low levels of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and other brain chemicals. SSRIs work by reducing the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, leaving more serotonin available — and increased serotonin can help ease depressive symptoms.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs include medications like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).
SNRIs may alleviate depression by maintaining levels of serotonin and norepinephrine — neurotransmitters that influence mood — in the brain. They do this by preventing these chemicals from being reabsorbed into the cells that released them.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclics help more serotonin and norepinephrine remain available in the brain, which can boost mood. They can be very effective but tend to produce stronger side effects and are often tried if other medications haven’t worked. Examples include imipramine (Tofranil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Getting a prescription
Mood stabilizers or anti-anxiety medicines are sometimes prescribed alongside antidepressants. If your counselor or therapist cannot prescribe medications, they can coordinate with your primary care physician to obtain a prescription for you.
Additional treatment options
If conventional medication isn’t suitable for you, there are alternative and natural approaches often used for depression that can be beneficial.
Keep in mind these options should be discussed with your healthcare provider first, especially if you’re taking prescribed antidepressants or other drugs.
Natural remedies
Whether you prefer natural products, find prescription side effects intolerable, or simply want another option, natural remedies can be helpful for many people.
Complementary or natural treatments may work well alongside traditional therapies. Always consult your doctor before adding supplements or complementary modalities to your regimen.
Some natural approaches include St. John’s wort, relaxation practices, and acupuncture.
Support groups
Sometimes, connecting with others facing similar struggles can be a powerful source of support.
Groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness provide support groups, education, and resources to help people cope with depression and other mental health issues.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America is an international nonprofit focused on preventing and treating many mental health conditions, including depression.
The organization offers free in-person and virtual support groups in the U.S. and Canada, and it also hosts a active online anxiety and depression community with more than 84,000 members.
Help is available
If you’re having suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 by dialing 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 for local emergency services.
Lifestyle changes
Certain adjustments to daily life can also support managing depression.
For instance, if you drink alcohol or use substances, cutting back or stopping can significantly affect symptoms. Some people may get temporary relief from substances, but when the effects fade, symptoms often worsen and can complicate treatment.
Conversely, eating balanced meals and staying physically active can improve overall well-being. Regular exercise raises endorphins and can ease depression. Adequate sleep is also vital for both mental and physical health.
How to find treatment near you
The first step toward treatment is scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider or another healthcare professional. They can refer you to mental health specialists in your area.
Online therapy is increasingly popular and can be a convenient choice if you prefer speaking from home. If cost is a concern, there are lower-cost and free online therapy options available as well.
If you are religious, ask your faith leader for recommendations; some people prefer counseling that incorporates their spiritual beliefs.
You can also use healthcare directories to locate therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors. These directories often list credentials, accepted insurance plans, and user reviews. Start with these resources:
How to find the right treatment
Living with depression can be difficult, and some days may feel better than others. Staying committed to your treatment plan is crucial. You might feel discouraged early on, but many treatments require several weeks to months to show meaningful improvement.
When symptoms improve, you might be tempted to stop treatment. Avoid stopping without consulting your clinician first. They can advise on safe next steps.
Discuss your reactions to therapy and your overall plan with your therapist. This helps them tailor or change the approach if something isn’t working. Therapists are there to help you best when you’re open and honest.
It’s important to feel at ease with your therapist. If you don’t, consider trying someone else. Finding the right clinician can take time, so be patient — you may need to meet several practitioners before finding the best match.
Remember that finding effective treatment often involves trial and error. If a particular plan isn’t working after a sustained effort, move on. If you’ve adhered to a treatment for two months without improvement, it’s likely not the right fit. Typically, medication should produce some relief within about three months of starting.
Contact your doctor right away if your:
- depression doesn’t improve after several months of treatment
- symptoms have lessened but you still don’t feel like yourself
- symptoms worsen
These signs indicate your treatment plan may need adjustment.
Frequently asked questions about depression
Is depression just a chemical imbalance?
A chemical imbalance in the brain can play a role in depression, but the condition has many causes. There’s nuance and complexity in the research, and it’s not fully settled what precisely causes depression.
What is the biggest thing that causes depression?
There isn’t a single primary cause of depression. It can arise from many factors, sometimes with clear triggers and sometimes without. Causes may include genetic predisposition or stressful life events (such as illness, loss, or financial hardship), among others.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression can produce a wide range of symptoms that vary by person. Possible symptoms include:
persistent sadness or low mood; feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, worry, irritability, or anxiety; low self-worth; lack of motivation or interest; indecision; thoughts of self-harm or suicide; slowed speech or movement; changes in appetite or weight; unexplained aches; constipation; disturbed sleep; low energy and decreased libido; difficulties in family, home, or work roles; withdrawing from social situations and friends; neglecting hobbies and interests.
What is the hardest depression?
The most severe form is major depression. People with major depression often feel engulfed by a pervasive low mood and lose pleasure in activities. This form is commonly treated with medication and psychotherapy.
How can I help someone who has depression?
There are many ways to support someone with depression. Start by talking to them, letting them know you’re available, and checking in frequently.
You can help them locate resources and offer practical assistance with everyday tasks like shopping or chores. Learn about depression and their particular experience so you can provide informed support.
The bottom line
Depression is difficult, but effective treatments exist that can help manage symptoms.
Depending on symptom severity, a treatment plan may combine medication, therapy, and complementary approaches. Speak with your doctor to determine the best plan for you.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.