The treatment of depression usually involves more than one approach. Depression is a treatable illness that involves imbalances in the chemistry of the body and brain. These may be treated with medicine. Treatment of depression also involves making some changes in the way a person copes with life's problems.

Medication
Medicine can relieve depression by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain. Medicines traditionally used for depression are:

• Antidepressants - drugs used to relieve or prevent depression, a psychic energizer.
• Tranquilizers - drugs used to reduce anxiety and tension.
• Lithium - a drug that helps balance mood swings.

The medical field is constantly discovering new and better medications for depression.

Psychotherapy
This type of counseling may be used for mild to moderate depression. It may be used with medication for severe depression. Psychotherapy helps people understand the feelings that cause or contribute to their depression, and to develop ways to cope with situations that trigger the depression.

The types of therapy used for depression include:

• Cognitive - helps you change negative thinking.
• Behavioral - helps you change the way you respond to daily experiences.
• Interpersonal - helps you relate to others in more positive ways.

Social Support
Friends and family can help someone suffering from depression by providing transportation, assistance with bills or meals if needed, and by including their friend or loved one in social and recreational activities.

Other factors to consider when trying to help someone overcome depression and suicidal feelings are health and habits. A doctor should conduct a thorough physical exam to rule out physical reasons for depression. Does the person drink too much? Sometimes people try to “self-medicate� using alcohol or drugs. For these people, therapy should include substance abuse treatment.

• Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know is in suicidal danger.
• Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) – National Hope Line Network.
  (Available 24 hours/7 days)
• Call National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

To learn more:

Alcoholics Anonymous

This well-known private organization is run by recovering alcoholics who offer treatment and support to people trying to stop drinking. They offer help to people of all backgrounds and have chapters in every part of the country and most cities. Participation is free and totally confidential. Select About A.A. and then Select Contact Local A.A. to find a group near you.

http://www.aa.org/

Depression (PDQ®)
(National Cancer Institute)

This site created by National Institute of Health includes an easy-to-understand description of treatment of depression. Though it was created for cancer patients and their families, the information is helpful for anyone suffering from depression.

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/depression-pdq

Depression: Don't Let the Blues Hang Around
(National Institute on Aging)

The AgePage, a site maintained by the National Institute on Aging, describes the causes, symptoms and treatment of depression in the elderly.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/depression

SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health & Human Services provides information about substance abuse and mental health to people seeking help with their problems and to mental health professionals. Included are facts, FAQ's, publications, guidelines for finding help. To find help in your area, click one of the bars at the top of the page. There is one for substance abuse help and there is one for mental health help.

https://www.samhsa.gov/

next » Where can people get more information about suicide, depression and treatment?

Written by: Janice C. May, M.P.A.
Reviewed by: Jeffrey G. Schultze, M.D.
Last Modified: Monday December 19, 2016 10:39 AM