Is There A Cure For Depression? Types And Treatments

Depression is a condition that can manifest differently in each individual. It can keep us from doing the things we love and can affect our mental and physical health in several ways. While there may not necessarily be cures for depression, there are treatments available that have proven to be effective. Below, we’ll look at the types of depression and the treatments available for those experiencing them:

Symptoms of depression

If you or someone you love might be experiencing depression, it may help to know the most common symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with depression may experience some, if not all, of the following symptoms:

• Sadness or persistent negative thoughts
• A consistent “low” mood
• Changes in eating
• Weight changes
• Lack of energy
• Increased tendency to misuse alcohol, medication, and other drugs
• Changes in sleep
• Inability to concentrate
• Unable to make any decisions
• Little to no interest in many aspects of life

Is there a cure for depression?

Although there is not necessarily a catch-all cure for depression, there is hope for anyone experiencing it. With the proper treatment, the symptoms can be managed. Treatment usually works differently for everyone and may need to be adjusted regularly for the best outcome.

Treatments for depression

There are a few different options when it comes to depression treatment. These may be used in combination with one another and need to be monitored to make sure that they are not making your depression worse. The two most common include talk therapy and medication.

Psychotherapy

All types of depression can be treated, at least in part, with psychotherapy, or “talk therapy.” In psychotherapy, you can talk to a licensed mental health professional and begin working through your concerns. This can significantly alter how you feel about yourself, and may help you with other issues like the misuse of drugs or alcohol (sometimes incorrectly referred to as “alcohol abuse” or “drug abuse”.)

If you do not have traditional, in-person counselors nearby, you may want to consider online counseling platforms like BetterHelp, where you can speak with a licensed counselor on your schedule from the location of your choice.

Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating depression. A study done by the Berkeley Well-Being Institute found BetterHelp to be effective for depression, as evidenced by a significant reduction in depression symptoms. 

Medication

It is always best to consult with your primary doctor or psychiatrist before taking any medications.

Other things you can do for depression

Adults and adolescents experiencing depression sometimes feel unmotivated to complete routine tasks. However, there are some things you can try to do at home that may help manage the symptoms of depression. These options are not official depression treatments, but they may be positive ways to address some of your depression symptoms.

• If you can, consider engaging in a physical activity a few times a week. Studies show that exercise can be an effective treatment option for depression symptoms, while more research suggests that it can also improve your physical health.
• Take time for yourself when you feel overwhelmed. Even if it’s doing something simple like taking a bath or reading a book, a small diversion might make a difference in how you feel.
• Get proper sleep. Your body needs enough sleep to renew itself each night, and a lack of sleep can make the symptoms of depression worse.
• Avoid alcohol and harmful substances. Alcohol and substance misuse can have a drastic effect on your mood. It can be helpful to reduce your intake or abstain from substance use completely if you intend to alleviate your depression symptoms. 
• Maintain a healthy diet. Choosing to eat healthy foods can provide you with the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to combat the negative effects of depression. 
• Socialize. For some people, being social is not very appealing when they’re feeling depressed, but social interaction for a little while may help.
• Join support groups. There may be groups in your area or online specifically designed to bring together  and support people experiencing depression. Try searching for groups close to your home or ask your therapist about support groups they recommend. 

The most common types of depression

Effectively diagnosing different types of depression isn’t always simple, and it’s possible to have a combination of types of depression at once. The following are some common types of depression:

Major depressive disorder

If you are experiencing major depressive disorder, you may have regular feelings of sadness or despair. It often affects a person’s daily life and can result in poor work performance, relationship problems, and other complications. If you experience major depressive disorder, it may help to seek treatment from a physician or mental health professional as soon as you can.

Persistent depressive disorder

Persistent depressive disorder is typically a less severe form of depression, but it still can affect your daily life in several ways. It tends to involve the same symptoms as a major depressive disorder but is generally long-term yet less severe. A person with persistent depressive disorder may experience low self-esteem and difficulty carrying out daily activities.

Bipolar depression

With this kind of depression, a person may experience periods of manic high energy alternating with periods of extreme depression.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder is typically characterized by periods of depression during the late fall/early winter and usually subsides during spring and summer.

Risk factors for depression

There isn’t a single official cause of depression, but there are potential risk factors for developing it.

• Genetics: Having a relative with depression may increase your likelihood of developing it.
• Brain chemistry: Alterations in the chemistry of the brain may influence depression.
• Personality: People who experience a sense of low self-worth or self-esteem may be more susceptible to depression.
• Traumatic life events: Sometimes, traumatic events in a person’s life can lead to depression. For example, the death of a loved one, exposure to combat, or a devastating natural disaster may lead to symptoms of depression.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.