The Best Cures for Depression

Depression typically follows a significant loss (a layoff, divorce or death), but can also occur without a life-changing event. Major depression (the most serious form) affects 5 percent to 10 percent of U.S. adults. But up to 80 percent of people respond positively to treatment, and that includes self-care.

Talk Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy has proven very successful with depression because it challenges patients' black and white thinking. You could talk to a licensed psychologist or a good friend or a family member. Once you write down your negative thoughts and talk them over with someone you may understand how some of your thinking may not fit the reality.

Self Care

• Most people who suffer from depression need to make lifestyle changes. For example, if you're working 60 hours a week with no recreation you need to address that problem. You should also track your moods. Even bewildering moods occur for a reason. Charting when, where and with whom you have mood changes and comparing them to people who aren't depressed helps to trace the causes of your mood, resulting in better self-understanding and easing depression. You should also exercise as much as you can. Exercise releases endorphins that help improve your mood.

Medication

• About 40 percent of first-time users of antidepressants--like SSRIs, SNRIs and MAOIs--get relief from their depression. For others the first antidepressant they try offers poor results and unwelcome side effects (weight gain, loss of libido), but another drug does the trick. Antidepressants can be a real help--sometimes a lifesaver for the severely depressed. For people who don't have extremely severe cases of depression, they may be better off using psychotherapy or self-care.