Knowing how to cure depression involves more than one single method, as treatment depends on the severity and individual needs. Options may include psychotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and newer therapies that act directly on the brain.
Treatment for depression can vary, with some people responding well to psychotherapy alone, while others may need antidepressant medications or hospital care in severe cases. Approaches like physical activity, meditation, and diet can also support recovery and improve well-being.
Understanding how to cure depression is important to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and lower the risk of complications like suicide. With proper medical follow-up and healthy habits, lasting improvement and stability are possible. Read more about the possible causes of depression.
Ways to manage and overcome depression
Depression can be managed using one or more of the following treatment approaches:
1. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is delivered by a psychologist and is aimed at resolving emotional difficulties, promoting self-awareness and addressing internal conflicts.
This treatment is fundamental and is recommended even when medication has already been started. Psychotherapy can help to reorganize thoughts and brain processes as well as promote feelings and sensations of happiness. Some techniques used include cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness.
2. Medication
Medications used for depression are called antidepressants. They are used to replenish neurotransmitters in the brain, like serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, which are usually reduced with depression. Medications are indicated for moderate to serious cases of depression. Learn more about the symptoms of depression you should not ignore-
The main antidepressants used for the treatment of depression are:
Medications can take 2 to 6 weeks to have effect, and duration of treatment can vary from person to person. Some people only require a short period of medication, like 6 months, while others may require medication for years. A patient’s response to treatment will help the doctor to determine the duration of treatment, the dose and the type of medication prescribed.
The sole use of medication may not be sufficient in treating depression. It is important for patients to be followed by a psychologist and to engage in psychotherapy sessions that stimulate their own self-awareness.
3. Alternative therapies
There are some, more natural treatments that can be used as a complement to medical therapy. They should not be used to substitute the treatment prescribed by a health care professional. Some examples include:
- Acupuncture: It can alleviate symptoms associated with depression, like pain, anxiety and insomnia
- Meditation: It provides self-awareness and emotional regulation, which can boost confidence and self-worth
- Physical activity: Engaging in regular physical activity helps to release hormones like serotonin and endorphins, which are essential for the treatment of depression as well as your own well-being. Group training, like a sport, can also be beneficial, as it promotes social interaction.
- Reiki: This technique promotes relaxation and well-being, which patients with depression can benefit from.
- Antidepressant diet: Some foods, like banana, peanuts, oats and milk, and increase levels of tryptophan and other substances, like magnesium, which stimulate the production of hormones that can positively affect mood.
In addition, patients are encouraged to engage in hobbies like music, reading and group activities. These can help to boost self-worth and self-confidence, which are important for the treatment of depression.
4. New therapies
Some types of treatment act directly on the brain and are known as neuromodulation. They are usually recommended when depression does not improve with common methods, such as psychotherapy or anxiety medications.
One option is transcranial magnetic stimulation, which uses magnetic pulses to activate areas of the brain linked to mood in a non-invasive way.
There are also other techniques, such as vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation, which are more invasive and use small electrodes to reorganize brain activity.
Electroconvulsive therapy, although an older method, is also part of neuromodulation and continues to be used in hospitals under controlled conditions. Learn more about how electroconvulsive therapy works.
This type of treatment is mainly indicated for the most severe cases of depression, as it can quickly relieve symptoms and reduce associated risks, such as suicide. These therapies are considered important options when exploring how to cure depression in complex or resistant cases.
5. Alternative therapies
There are some, more natural treatments that can be used as a complement to medical therapy. They should not be used to substitute the treatment prescribed by a health care professional. Some examples include:
- Acupuncture: It can alleviate symptoms associated with depression, like pain, anxiety and insomnia
- Medication: It provides self-awareness and emotional regulation, which can boost confidence and self-worth
- Physical activity: Engaging in regular physical activity helps to release hormones like serotonin and endorphins, which are essential for the treatment of depression as well as your own well-being. Group training, like a sport, can also be beneficial, as it promotes social interaction.
- Reiki: This technique promotes relaxation and well-being, which patients with depression can benefit from.
- Antidepressant diet: Some foods, like banana, peanuts, oats and milk, and increase levels of tryptophan and other substances, like magnesium, which stimulate the production of hormones that can positively affect mood.
In addition, patients are encouraged to engage in hobbies like music, reading and group activities. These can help to boost self-worth and self-confidence, which are important for the treatment of depression.
How long does depression treatment last?
There is no pre-defined time for depression treatment. Some people improve within a few months, while others require years-long treatment. Treatment duration usually depends on the underlying cause of depression and the severity. The patient must also be willing to comply with treatment and engage in therapy.
Is depression curable?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a treatable condition. With proper follow-up, it is possible to reduce symptoms, improve well-being, and achieve stability.
The term "cure" can be considered relative, since each person responds differently, but many are able to reach lasting improvement of symptoms.
Considerations during treatment
There are some ways to optimize your treatment, which may lead to a quicker treatment time. These include:
- Switching medications if there is no improvement within 6 weeks: This is the amount of time necessary for any medication to take effect. If no improvement is noted, the psychiatrist may assess the need to increase dosing or switch medications.
- Psychiatric reassessments: It is important to have follow-up consults at predetermined time periods, every 3 to 6 months for example, to reassess symptoms and evaluate the need for medication changes.
- Seeking help: It is hard to combat depression alone, therefore it is important to speak to a friend, family member, psychologist or other health care professional if you are not feeling well or if symptoms worsen.
- Highlighting goals: Having a specific objective or goal to reach, like starting a project, a new job or a new activity, can help give worth and meaning to life
- Avoid unhealthy habits, like alcohol, smoking, stress, excessive time on social media and not sleeping properly.
You are also encouraged to expose yourself to the sun at least 15 minutes per day, to avoid negative thoughts, to keep yourself in bright and open spaces, listen to music and to watch movies. These can all contribute to successful depression treatment.