Treatments

Cognitive therapy
You can't talk yourself out of depression, but you can stop talking yourself deeper into it. Cognitive therapy -- also called cognitive restructuring -- teaches people to recognize and correct depressive thinking. If you make a mistake at work, you might think, "I'm hopelessly incompetent," and slid ... Read more

Dietary suplements
Certain vitamin deficiencies -- notably B-6, B-12, C, folic acid, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, biotin, and pantothenic acid -- can cause depression.

Electroconvulsive Therapy
In cases of severe depression where antidepressants prove ineffective, ECT is another option. Once known as "shock therapy," and given an undeservedly bad reputation by the book and movie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Dr. Yudofsky says: "When used properly, ECT is safe and effective. Unfortunate ... Read more

Exercise
A tremendous amount of research shows that exercise -- particularly strenuous aerobic exercise -- elevates mood, relieves anxiety, improves appetite, sleep, sexual interest and functioning, and self-esteem. Studies show that it also helps normalize the chemical imbalances in the brain linked to depr ... Read more

Herbal medicines
Several medicinal herbs have antidepressant effects. The most powerful is St. John's wort, a natural SSRI and weak MAO inhibitor. In addition, kava-kava, ginkgo, and caffeine can also help.

Photo therapy
Seasonal affective disorder is caused by lack of sunlight in winter. Supplemental artificial light successfully treats it. A half-hour a day in front of a special bright-light appliance lifts the spirits of 60% to 80% of those with winter depression. Another appliance that simulates an earlier dawn ... Read more

Support groups
Depression feels terribly isolating. Support groups show you that you're not alone. They are particularly helpful for depressions associated with drug or alcohol abuse, which is why Alcoholics Anonymous and the other Anonymous organizations are so popular.