Treatment Options

Helping Yourself

Periods of depression can typically last from six months to a year or even longer. While you may feel better between these episodes, you might still experience symptoms or have difficulty performing normal daily tasks. The odds of having another period of depression increase with each episode you experience. When left untreated, depression can cause other problems including:

• Stomach upset
• Headaches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Chronic pain
• Problems relating to people
• Loss of productivity

That's why getting treatment is important. Treating depression can improve the quality of your life and may prevent the condition from worsening, becoming long-term and/or requiring hospitalization. Up to 75 percent of people who suffer from depression experience significant improvement with treatment and up to 50 percent experience a complete recovery. While getting treatment for your depression, some things that you can do to help include:

• Set realistic goals in light of the depression
• Try to be with other people and to confide in someone
• Participate in activities that make you feel better
• Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or other activities
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately
• Let your family and friends help you

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.