A good place to start is on the couch. Psychotherapy is often very effective at treating depression, helping a person to realize what may be causing them pain. Often it involves regressing back to childhood with a trusted therapist, and figuring out what events may have been traumatic and caused a person to develop beliefs that lead to destructive behavior early on. This can be done through hypnosis or plain conversation. Therapists are usually willing to work at whatever speed their patient is comfortable with, and can usually help.

However, not all depression is strictly emotional. Much of it comes from physical imbalances of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Much of the blame for depression has been laid on an excess of a chemical called serotonin; however recent studies show that the stress chemical cortisol may be more to blame if it has been present for a long period of time. People with depression in the family can be born with a genetic propensity for it; however, the question remains whether chemical imbalances alone are responsible for depression, or whether traumatic events set off chemical imbalances. Not everyone with a genetic propensity for depression will develop it in their lifetimes; more often some crisis will trigger it.

Many psychotherapists, and some medical doctors as well, will prescribe anti-depressants to a patient with depression. These can be very effective as well, but not in all cases. It is best to do some research on the pills that are being prescribed, as many of the side-effects are not yet fully understood. Whatever you choose to take, it is best to continue psychotherapy along side the drugs, as the two together are much more effective than either alone.

It is important to be committed to healing from depression. Many people benefit from creating or securing close relationships with others. Friends, family, spouses, even co-workers and teachers can provide valuable support to someone struggling with depression. If you believe your depression is rooted in a need not met in childhood, finding a person to help you learn to meet that need yourself or through others in healthy ways can speed recovery.

Be educated on depression. Since depression is a disorder that involves emotion, many people feel it is their fault that they are still depressed if their initial efforts at treatment are not immediately effective. Recovery from depression is a long process, and can involve a lot of patience. Behaviors learned in childhood are not overcome in a day, or a month, or even a year sometimes. Depression is not a choice; whether it is caused by a build-up of emotional stress or an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Recovery takes time.

Surprisingly exercise is a very effective means of battling depression. Even light or moderate exercise can make a difference, as it releases endorphins into the blood stream. Doing this on a regular basis can make a marked difference in mood, as well as improving the physical aches and pains that are often associated with depression.

Spirituality makes a difference for some; praying and meditation have made a difference in many studies. For others a renewed interest in almost anything will prove helpful. Reading and gaining knowledge can help a person feel more a part of life.

There are many options for those who have been diagnosed with depression. It is a treatable disorder, and most people through a combination of the above recommendations, do recover.