A Step-by-Step Recovery
Lifting the cloud of depression is a step-by-step process. Learning self-care skills helps many people feel better and more in control, and may be all the treatment needed. For others, a professional may recommend a combination of therapy, medication, and other steps toward recovery. Happily, depression is one of the most treatable mood disorders known, once a treatment plan is begun.
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Self-Care
Depressed people are often trapped in learned helplessness: they set up their lives in ways that lead to failure. Setting small, achievable goals, such as getting to work on time every day, renews self-esteem. Any kind of exercise seems to make people feel better. And good, old-fashioned support works wonders: call a friend, even if you think you have nothing to say, or talk honestly with someone you trust about how you're feeling.
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A Professional Evaluation
Seeing a professional helps determine the cause of depression and lets you talk over the best plan for recovery. Your company's Employee Assistance Program or Medical Department may provide a confidential evaluation, or may refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor in your area.
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Therapy
Therapy sheds light on self-defeating behavior and problems in relationships. There are over 200 different kinds of therapy to teach people new coping skills and help them regain self-esteem.
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Medication
For some people, taking a prescribed medication is helpful during the first months of treatment. Medication, when coupled with therapy, is sometimes more effective than either alone.
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Resources
Help is just a phone call away: the Yellow Pages' Suicide Prevention Counselors or 911 to prevent suicide; and mental health agencies for information, support, and referrals to therapists in your area.
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