Treatment

• Medication

Prescription medicine called antidepressants can help change the brain chemistry that causes depression. There are several different types of antidepressants, and it may take time to figure out the one that’s best for you. Some antidepressants have side effects, which often improve with time. If they don’t, talk to your healthcare provider. A different medication may work better for you.

• Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) involves talking with a mental health professional. Your therapist helps you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. There are many types of psychotherapy — cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common. Sometimes, brief therapy is all you need. Other people continue therapy for several months or years.

• Complementary medicine

This involves treatments you may receive along with traditional Western medicine. People with mild depression or ongoing symptoms can improve their well-being with therapies such as acupuncture, massage, hypnosis and biofeedback.

• Brain stimulation therapy

Brain stimulation therapy can help people who have severe depression or depression with psychosis. Types of brain stimulation therapy include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT is a medical treatment that is generally reserved for those with severe depressive episodes who have not responded to other treatments. ECT has been used since the 1940s, and many years of research have led to major improvements and the recognition of its effectiveness as a mainstream rather than a "last resort" treatment. ECT is a procedure performed under anesthesia during which the brain is stimulated electrically to induce a brief seizure. A patient typically receives ECT two to three times a week for a total of six to 12 treatments. It is usually managed by a team of trained medical professionals including a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist and a nurse or physician assistant.

3 minute depression test quiz

• 1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things

(A) Not at all (B) Several days (C) More than half of the days (D) Nearly every day

• 2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

(A) Not at all (B) Several days (C) More than half of the days (D) Nearly every day

• 3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

(A) Not at all (B) Several days (C) More than half of the days (D) Nearly every day

• 4. Feeling tired or having little energy

(A) Not at all (B) Several days (C) More than half of the days (D) Nearly every day

• 5. Poor appetite or overeating

(A) Not at all (B) Several days (C) More than half of the days (D) Nearly every day

• 6. Feeling bad about yourself - or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down

(A) Not at all (B) Several days (C) More than half of the days (D) Nearly every day

• 7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television

(A) Not at all (B) Several days (C) More than half of the days (D) Nearly every day

• 8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed

(A) Not at all (B) Several days (C) More than half of the days (D) Nearly every day

• 9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself

(A) Not at all (B) Several days (C) More than half of the days (D) Nearly every day

• 10. If you've had any days with issues above, how difficult have these problems made it for you at work, home, school, or with other people?

(A) Not difficult at all (B) Somewhat difficult (C) Very difficult (D) Extremely difficult

Home remedies

• Getting regular exercise.

• Getting quality sleep (not too little or too much).

• Eating a healthy diet.

• Avoiding alcohol, which is a depressant.

• Spending time with people you care about.

Depression and Diet

• Antioxidants Prevent Cell Damage

• "Smart" Carbs Can Have a Calming Effect

• Protein-Rich Foods Boost Alertness

• Try a Mediterranean Diet for B Vitamins

• Get Enough Vitamin D

• Select Selenium-Rich Foods

• Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids