TREATING DEPRESSION.   
   
   

The first step to recovery from depression requires talking to your doctor or healthcare provider about how you've been feeling. Only your doctor can make an appropriate diagnosis of depression. If you are diagnosed with depression, you will probably have many questions, including the science behind depression and its treatment.

The Science Behind Depression
Many researchers believe depression is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain and the body. In the brain, these two chemicals are thought to be associated with mood. These same chemicals are also thought to be associated with regulating and reducing feelings of pain that come from the body.

In order to be healthy and free of depression, you may need a treatment program that addresses both the emotional and painful physical symptoms.

Medication
If your doctor recommends medication, be sure to talk to your doctor about medications that affect both serotonin and norepinephrine. Cymbalta is one such medication. Cymbalta is in a class of medications called selective SNRIs (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), and is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. More than 725,000 patients have been prescribed Cymbalta for any indication.

Talk Therapy
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 1 to 2 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 and as a result, your physician may recommend specific lifestyle changes, which may include exercise. Also, 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. Don't wait — depression is an illness that can, and should, be treated.