Psychotherapy

There are a wide number of different types of effective therapeutic approaches utilized for the treatment of depression today. These range from cognitive behavioral therapy, to behavioral therapy (ala Lewinsohn), to interpersonal therapy, to rational emotive therapy, to family and psychodynamic approaches. Both individual and group modalities are commonly used, depending upon the severity of the depressive episode and the local resources within an individual’s community.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

Ectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the treatment of last resort for severe, chronic depressive symptoms. ECT is never the initial treatment for depression and there are serious questions regarding memory loss which have yet to be adequately answered by the research literature. Please see ECT.org for more information about ECT. rTMS (below) is now the preferred treatment method over ECT.

JOURNEY TO IMPROVEMENT

If you happen to recognize symptoms of depression in yourself, the key is not to let worry take over. In fact, recognizing symptoms is an essential step on the road to feeling like oneself again.

This website is here to help you reconnect with the person you once were and the quality of life you once enjoyed. The following steps are especially important:

Depression Screening Test

Use this brief 18-question online automated quiz to help you determine
if you may need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis
and treatment of depression, or for tracking your depression on a regular basis.

Depression and High School Students

Depression can occur during adolescence, a time of great personal change. You may be facing changes in where you go to school, your friends, your after-school activities, as well as in relationships with your family members. You may have different feelings about the type of person you want to be, your future plans, and may be making decisions for the first time in your life.

Middle-Age Women Have Highest Rate of Depression

One in eight middle-age women in the United States has depression, a new report finds.
This means that women ages 40 to 59 have the highest rate of depression (12.3 percent) of any group based on age and gender in the U.S., according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unhappiness by the Numbers: 2012 Depression Statistics

As if depression weren’t bad enough, statistics show that diagnoses are growing at an alarming rate. In addition, states with higher rates of depression also show high rates of other negative health outcomes, such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Individuals suffering from depression are more likely to be

Hospitalization

Hospitalization

Hospitalization of an individual is necessary when that person has attempted suicide or has serious suicidal ideation or plan for doing so. Such suicidal intentions must be carefully and fully assessed during an initial meeting with the client. The individual must be imminent danger of

Where to Get Help

Where to Get Help

If unsure where to go for help, check the Yellow Pages under “mental health,” “health,” “social services,” “suicide prevention,” “crisis intervention services,” “hotlines,” “hospitals,” or “physicians” for phone numbers and addresses. In times of crisis, the emergency room doctor at

The taboo of depression | Silja Björk Björnsdóttir | TEDxReykjavík

Silja shares with us what it is like to be in a state of depression by conveying her own experience. She seeks to destigmatize depression and mental illness and encourages us to take a different look at how we as a society deal with these issues. 

Doctor Discussion Guide

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of depression, or that your current treatment is not managing your symptoms, you should see your doctor. When booking your appointment inform him or her that you may need extra time to discuss your symptoms.

Ex-NFL star: 'I had to start over and pick up the pieces'

After living the dream for a decade, T.J. Duckett fell into depression in 2009 when the clock stopped on his professional football career.

Suicide warning signs in teenagers

Seriously depressed teens often think about, speak of, or make "attention-getting" attempts at suicide. But an alarming and increasing number of teenage suicide attempts are successful, so suicidal thoughts or behaviors should always be taken very seriously.

My Depression Story

It's okay not to be okay. I want you to know that. That you're not alone in all of this. Those feelings that you're feeling are valid, you are not wrong in your emotions. But you need to know that this is not a way of life, everyday should not be a bad one and every morning should not be a struggle. If you're feeling unexplainable

Parent's Guide to Teen Depression

Teenage depression isn’t just bad moods and the occasional melancholy—it’s a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. Teen depression can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, self-loathing and self-mutilation, pregnancy, violence, and even suicide. But as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many ways you can help. Talking about the problem and offering support can go a long way toward getting your teenager back on track.

Taking control of your depression

Depression often makes you feel helpless. Taking action to make yourself feel more in control will have a positive effect, whether it’s going to see your GP for treatment, joining a gym, going for daily walks, or doing something that you are interested in or good at. If you don’t feel up to starting something new or joining a local group on your own, ask a friend to come with you.

Genetics Research of Depression

Research on the genetics of depression and other mental illnesses is a priority of NIMH and constitutes a critical component of the Institute’s multi-level research effort.

Sadness Is not Depression

We all feel sad sometimes. Sadness is a normal emotion that can make life more interesting. Much art and poetry is inspired by sadness and melancholy. Sadness almost always accompanies loss. When we say goodbye to a loved one we usually feel sad. The sadness is even deeper if a close relationship has ended or a loved one has died.