Non-Medical Treatment

Medication has shown in studies to always be the first line treatment for moderate to severe depression. For mild to moderate depression therapy can be beneficial. Therapy and healthy stress management (especially aerobic exercise) combined with medication can often make a dramatic difference in the outcome of treatment.
Three types of therapy have shown to be useful:
Cognitive – Helps correct distorted thoughts and attitudes that are hindering change. Negative and exaggerated thinking often make depression worse.
Interpersonal – A structured treatment that deals with improving relationships. The depressed person often withdraws from others, causing social and personal impairment. Self-esteem is also addressed.
Behavioral – Many depressed people have developed patterns of behavior that need to be acknowledged and changed. When this occurs, the positive reinforcement that results often helps encourage change and lessens the depression.