What do you recommend for depression?

Depends on severity: A major depressive episode can be due to a number of factors. Severity includes from mild, moderate, severe, and severe with psychotic features. Mild forms of depression respond well to psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, alongside behavioral activation. Moderate and more severe forms require therapy and medication. Exercise, group therapy, social supports also help treatment.

Recurrent or first: Recurrent depression is more likely genetic and may occur for no apparent reason. Depression that is recurrent and/or persistent usually requires medication. First episode depression especially if there is a good reason (eg grief ) may respond to therapy alone, but may still require medication.

Pills and Therapist: Best treatment is antidepressants and therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy). The medicines must be titrated towards the maximum dosis after 3-4 weeks and used for 4-9 months after remission of symptoms which may take from 1 to 5 years. Sometimes two different antidepressants may be needed. Suicidal, attempts are emergencies requiring hospitalization and one to one supervision.