Where to Start

The first step toward successful treatment of depression is a complete physical and psychological evaluation. Based on this information, any number of antidepressant medications and/or psychotherapies—or talk therapies—can be prescribed. Once doctor or therapist and patient agree on a treatment regimen, it's important to stick with it. With time, the results of treatment can be remarkable.

In addition to medical and psychological treatment, there are other steps sufferers can take to help themselves get better and, perhaps, to lessen the impact of future episodes. These include mind-body interventions and other basic strategies to help maintain good mental health.