Clinical depression how long

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But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason. Read more about the causes of depression. Treatment for depression can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medicine.

Your recommended treatment will be based on whether you have mild, moderate or severe depression. If you have mild depression, your doctor may suggest waiting to see whether it improves on its own, while monitoring your progress. This is known as "watchful waiting". They may also suggest lifestyle measures such as exercise and self-help groups.

Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy CBT , are often used for mild depression that is not improving, or moderate depression. Antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed.

For moderate to severe depression, a combination of talking therapy and antidepressants is often recommended. If you have severe depression, you may be referred to a specialist mental health team for intensive specialist talking treatments and prescribed medicine. Many people with depression benefit by making lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise , cutting down on alcohol , giving up smoking and eating healthily.

Reading a self-help book or joining a support group are also worthwhile. In cases such as these, you can't just "make it go away. Besides, you deserve proper and individualized depression treatment. There is no harm or shame in asking someone to help you begin to feel better again. Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. National Institute of Mental Health.

Published American Psychiatric Association. What is depression? Published January Cleveland Clinic. Alternative therapies for depression. Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Patel R, Rose G. Persistent depressive disorder. Depression basics. Updated Dhar A, Barton D. Depression and the link with cardiovascular disease. Front Psychiatry. Burcusa S, Iacono W. Risk for recurrence in depression. Clin Psychol Rev. Depression: How effective are antidepressants? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Computer-assisted cognitive-behavior therapy for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychiatry.

Psychotherapy for depression: Procedure details. Craft L, Perna F. The benefits of exercise for the clinically depressed. Kennedy, S. A review of antidepressant therapy in primary care: Current practices and future directions.

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