Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. It’s also the leading cause of disability worldwide.

There are several treatments for depression, including medications, talking therapies and lifestyle changes. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for you based on your symptoms and how severe they are.

Medications

Antidepressants work by helping to balance the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain. These include serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

The type of drug you are prescribed depends on your symptoms and other medical conditions. Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and gradually increase it until it is at the therapeutic level or until you see an improvement, whichever comes first.

Generally, you'll take the medication for 6 to 12 months, unless your provider recommends otherwise. It's important not to miss a dose.

There are many types of antidepressants to choose from, including SSRIs, SNRIs and tricyclics. There are also medications that don't belong to any of these groups, such as trazodone and lithium.

Talk Therapy

Often used in conjunction with other treatment methods, talk therapy is one of the most effective methods for relieving depression. It can help you learn to better understand the cause of your symptoms and how to deal with them, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Therapists are professionals who are trained to guide you through a range of topics, including emotional issues. They may be psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or counselors who have experience treating depression and other mental health conditions.

They are also trained to encourage you to work on coping skills, which can help make depression less severe. They can help you understand your condition and how it affects your life and your relationships with others.

Therapists use different techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), to improve patients’ ability to manage negative thinking patterns, change inaccurate beliefs and behaviors that might trigger or worsen symptoms, and interact with others in more positive ways. They can also teach patients how to cope with the challenges of their everyday life and find new ways to approach the future.

Exercise

Regular exercise can be an effective tool in battling depression. It increases levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help form new cells and connect them.

It also reduces inflammation in the brain, which can ease symptoms of depression. It increases endorphins, which give you a natural high and can make you feel more positive about yourself.

Research has shown that people who exercise regularly are less likely to have depression than those who don't.

Getting more exercise can also help prevent oxidative stress in the brain, which can contribute to depression symptoms. Oxidative stress occurs when there's a buildup of byproducts called reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen that can damage cells, including those in the brain.

It's also a good idea to try exercising with others, because it can boost your mood and social connection. It can also motivate you to stay committed to your exercise routine.

Family and Friends

Family and friends can help you through times of depression by providing support, encouragement and advice. They can also encourage you to take care of yourself and follow your treatment plan.

They can teach you to recognize depression triggers, understand your symptoms and notice if your depression is worsening. They can also remind you to get plenty of rest every night and to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Often, people feel better when they talk to loved ones about their depression. You can also join a support group for people with depression to learn more about the disorder and share experiences with others who understand your situation.

When you are feeling depressed, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. This can include seeking medications or talking therapy. You may need to try more than one type of medication or treatment approach before you find the right combination to make you feel better.