What helps depression?

It depends: It depends on the severity and past history. But initial things you can do include regular exercise, whole foods diet, consistent sleep, interacting with friends, and engaging in activities that are meaningful to you. Sometimes depression requires working with a psychiatrist or therapist in psychotherapy. Next level might be where antidepressant medications are needed. All these can help.

Many things: This is a good question.. It depends on several factors. Most important is the cause of the depression. I suggest a consultation with a psychiatrist for clarification and treatment. Usually psychotherapy, physical activity and, if necessary, medication can be effective. Ask your family doc for a referral to a therapist sooner rather than later.

Depression: Talking therapy to include Cognitive Behavioral therapy or psychotherapy can be effective. Aim for daily exercise, 8 hours of sleep per night & good nutrition w 5 servings of veggies & 4 of fruit per day. Try tai chi, yoga, Qi Gong, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises & meditation. Don't isolate - spend time w friends & stay active.

Therapy?: Have you yet tried any form of psychotherapy? Typically, the optimal combination of things to treat emotional issues such as anxiety or depression is medication (which, on your best day, is supposed to take the edge off symptoms) but the real gruntwork takes place in psychotherapist's consulting room.

Taking action!: There are medications and other medical treatments. In addition, there are psychotherapeutic interventions that can help. Beyond the professional treatment angle people could get more active with others, count their blessings, exercise, do other healthful behaviors. There are new scientifically-based books on increasing happiness as well. But taking action is what will help your depression.

Depression: Initial evaluation by mental health professional to confirm diagnosis & recommend treatment, such as counseling, medications & life style changes.