Many people tough it out, waiting for depression to go away on its own. An episode of major depression usually will go away within a year if left untreated.

But depression is a recurring illness and getting treatment can save one years of suffering. Without treatment, each episode of depression may get worse; it seems to take less stress to trigger subsequent episodes of depression than the first one.

Getting treatment early can shorten an episode of depression and reduce its intensity.

Types of Treatments Overview:

There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to clinical depression. Antidepressant drugs are a good choice of treatment for many patients. However, some people with mild depression may be just as well treated with cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy or even exercise and learning stress management techniques.

Depression often worsens over time, if left untreated. Because of this, even mild depression is often treated with medication. Also, many people do not admit how bad they actually are feeling or the severity of their symptoms.

Some people are against taking antidepressants because they believe depression is something they should be able to control and don't view it as a medical illness. This is unfortunate. One does not have to suffer needlessly. A person may not want to take medication if it has undesirable side effects or is ineffective. But for many, it is mainly the stigma involved that prevents them from taking medication.

Although medication alone or psychotherapy alone may be enough for some people, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is usually more effective.

Though depression is an illness with physiological roots, when thoughts and emotions are involved, psychological factors obviously play a role. It depends on the individual. If one is stressed out over personal problems, psychotherapy may be the key to recovery.

Medication alone may be enough if there are no specific personal issues to deal with. However, some people don't realize they have patterns of thinking that may be contributing to their depression (even if these thought patterns are actually caused by depression), and some short-term therapy may be beneficial.

Medication often has side effects, which makes many people reluctant to take them, but the symptoms of depression are usually much worse than the side effects of medication. Possible long-term side effects of newer antidepressants are unknown and a valid concern.

Medication: Antidepressant medications usually take several days to several weeks to take effect. It may take several weeks to evaluate a medication’s effectiveness. Sometimes, a person may have to try two, three, or more medications before finding one that is effective.

Psychotherapy: There are different types of psychotherapy. Particularly effective for treating depression is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps one recognize and break distorted patterns of thinking. Interpersonal therapy can be very effective when difficulties with personal relationships or other issues are contributing to the depression (or have resulted from depression).

Support Groups: Some people are not comfortable discussing personal issues with a group of strangers, while others find it easier to talk to strangers than friends and family. Family and friends may be uncomfortable hearing about your depression, or you may be uncomfortable telling them. There is comfort in knowing one is not alone, and one may feel less 'judged' by people who have experienced depression themselves. Support Groups are a place to give and receive encouragement.

Exercise: Exercise is often effective in relieving depression but it may take several weeks to feel the full effects. Patience and persistence are required.

Diet and Nutrition: Deficiencies in a number of nutrients has been implicated in depression.

Herbs and 'Natural' Supplements for Depression: Herbs such as St. John's Wort may relieve depression as well as prescription medications for mild to moderate depression. Like any antidepressant, is is not effective for everyone. 5-HTP and SAMe may also be effective in regulating mood.

ECT: Most people know electro convulsive therapy as ‘shock therapy.' It is usually reserved for severely depressed patients that have been resistant to other treatments.

VNS Therapy: Vagus Nerve Stimulation was approved by the FDA in July 2005 as an adjunctive treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression.

TMS: This therapy is still in investigational stages. TMS involves the use of rapidly changing magnetic fields to stimulate certain areas of the brain

Self Help: Being around other people, setting achievable goals, engaging yourself in activities that require participation, and managing stress, can alleviate depression and help prevent depression from recurring.

*If you are severely depressed, don't expect too much of yourself before you have had at least some partial relief of your symptoms.

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