Learning to Manage Depression

Managing Depression
The first step to recovery from depression involves talking to your doctor or healthcare professional about how you've been feeling. Only your doctor can diagnose depression, and if this happens, he or she will probably discuss various treatment options.

Medication
If your doctor recommends medication, you may want to ask about Cymbalta. Cymbalta is in a class of medications called selective SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), and is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. Over 5 million patients have been prescribed Cymbalta for any indication.

Talk Therapy
Talk therapy typically means that you spend about an hour a week talking with a mental health professional. Treatment can continue for several weeks or up to one to two years. Every person's situation is different.

Depression can negatively affect the way you think and feel. Talk therapy can help you learn to manage your depression and help relieve your symptoms of depression.

Lifestyle Changes
Depression can affect several areas of your life, which is why your physician may recommend specific lifestyle changes, such as exercise. It may also help to reach out to friends and family for support and try to find more social opportunities and activities in which you can participate.

Take that important first step in getting help for depression. Talk to a loved one or a friend today about how you are feeling so they can help you in talking with a doctor and getting on the road to recovery. You can print out your results from the Symptom Body Map to help start the conversation with a friend or loved one.

Don't wait — depression is an illness that can, and should, be treated.