Treating Depression
Your doctor or mental health expert can often treat your depression successfully. Different therapies seem to work for different people. For instance, support groups can provide new coping skills or social support if you are dealing with a major life change. Several kinds of talk therapies are useful as well. One method might help you think in a more positive way. Always thinking about the sad things in your life or what you have lost might have led to your depression. Another method works to improve your relations with others to give you more hope about your future. See the page on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for more information about therapy.
Antidepressant drugs (medicine to treat depression) can also help. These medications can improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and concentration. There are several types of antidepressants available. Some of these medicines can take up to 12 weeks before you feel like they are working. Your doctor may want you to continue medications for 6 months or more after your symptoms disappear. See the page on Anti-Depressant Medications for more details.
Family and Friends
Family and friends can play an important role in treatment, even making the necessary appointments and offering to go along to the doctor, mental health expert, or support group. Friends and family can also help you get out and participate in activities that you once enjoyed, encouraging you to be active and busy (but not to take on too much at one time).
References & Resources:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-easy-to-read/index.shtml
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-listing.shtml