What to Know About Treating Depression

If you’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), you're not alone—and more importantly, you’re not without options. Clinical depression is highly treatable, and while no single path works for everyone, a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes can lead to meaningful and lasting recovery.

Whether this is your first depressive episode or you’ve been living with symptoms for years, understanding how depression is treated is an empowering step toward healing.

Prescription Medications for Depression

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to reduce the emotional and physical symptoms of depression. They work by adjusting brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine that influence mood, focus, and motivation.

The most commonly prescribed classes include:

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Often a first-line treatment, SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. FDA-approved options include:

   • Prozac (fluoxetine)

   • Zoloft (sertraline)

   • Lexapro (escitalopram)

   • Celexa (citalopram)

   SSRIs are generally well-tolerated but may cause side effects like nausea, headache, or sleep changes in the early weeks.

2. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): These increase both serotonin and norepinephrine. Common SNRIs include:

   • Cymbalta (duloxetine)

   • Effexor (venlafaxine)

3. Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs): Wellbutrin (bupropion) is often used for those who don’t tolerate SSRIs or who want to avoid side effects like weight gain or sexual dysfunction.

4. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): These older classes are sometimes used when newer medications are ineffective, but they often come with more side effects and dietary restrictions.

5. Newer Medications:

   • Exxua (gepirone): A 5-HT1A receptor agonist that targets serotonin without typical side effects like sexual dysfunction.

   • Auvelity: The first oral NMDA receptor antagonist approved for depression, combining dextromethorphan and bupropion for fast-acting relief in some patients.

6. Additional Options:

   • Atypical antipsychotics like Seroquel or Caplyta, used in treatment-resistant depression.

   • Lithium or thyroid hormone (T3) may be added to enhance antidepressant effectiveness.

Always talk with a healthcare provider about potential side effects, interactions with other medications, and the safest plan for you especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have other medical conditions.

Talk Therapy for Depression

Therapy is an essential part of treatment for many people with depression and can be just as effective as medication, especially in mild to moderate cases.

Common forms of psychotherapy include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One of the most evidence-based approaches, CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns and build coping skills. Treatment is often short-term (8–16 sessions).

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving communication and relationships to reduce social stress and isolation, often over 12–16 weeks.

• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current behavior. It’s often more long-term and rooted in self-reflection.

Other therapeutic approaches include behavioral activation, supportive counseling, family or couples therapy, and problem-solving therapy.

Alternative and Complementary Treatments

While not replacements for professional care, alternative treatments can complement traditional therapy:

1. Supplements:

   • St. John’s Wort: May be effective for mild to moderate depression but carries serious interaction risks especially when combined with prescription antidepressants.

   • Folate: Around 30% of people with depression may have folate deficiency. Supplementing under medical supervision may support treatment outcomes.

2. Exercise:
   Regular physical activity boosts endorphins and has been shown to improve neural connectivity in areas of the brain impacted by depression, like the hippocampus.

3. Stress Reduction Techniques:

   • Deep breathing

   • Mindfulness meditation

   • Yoga

   • Self-hypnosis

   These practices can reduce symptoms and improve emotional resilience when paired with other treatments.

Lifestyle Habits That Support Recovery

While depression is a clinical condition not something you can simply “snap out of” certain daily habits can support mental health:

• Prioritize nutrition: Eat whole foods, reduce processed foods, and stay hydrated.

• Create a sleep routine: Go to bed and wake up at consistent times, reduce screen use before bed, and keep your bedroom a calm, sleep-friendly space.

• Stay social (in small ways): Even brief interactions can help. Try combining movement with socializing, like a walk with a friend.

• Connect with animals: Research suggests that time with pets can ease depression symptoms. Volunteering at shelters or spending time with friends' pets are great options.

What to Expect During Treatment

Finding the right treatment plan often takes time. Many antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks to take full effect, and therapy can require several sessions before noticeable change occurs.

If symptoms worsen especially in the early weeks of treatment contact your healthcare provider immediately. This is particularly important for younger people, as antidepressants can sometimes increase suicidal thoughts in children, teens, and young adults.

The Bottom Line

Depression can be overwhelming, but treatment works and there are more options today than ever before. The most effective approach is often a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes tailored to your needs.

Israel continues to invest in innovative mental health solutions, research, and compassionate care for those navigating conditions like depression.

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