Many people are not told what to expect when prescribed an antidepressant medication. Basic information, such as the dosing range, the goal of treatment, how side effects can be overcome and how long to stay on the medication, is frequently left out of a clinical encounter. This article outlines a methodical approach to antidepressant treatment for depression.

Many people with longstanding depression believe that they have tried every treatment out there. A detailed review of their history often reveals that they are mistaken and that there are several strategies that they have never tried. This article addresses what information is needed to make a well-informed decision about what treatment to try next and how a history of past treatments combined with a strategic, methodical approach can open up options to newer and potentially more effective treatments.

Some people have severe depression despite having a relatively good life. Others know exactly why they are depressed and can identify the specific cause or situation that is worsening their mood. This article focuses on depressive symptoms caused by maladaptive patterns and life toxicities and what to do about them.

Light therapy works not just for seasonal affective disorder but also is used to treat major depression and bipolar depression. It is important to follow the right steps in light therapy to determine if it works for you.

Rating scales for depression are being used routinely in primary care, but not all psychiatrists and therapists are using them. The use of depression rating scales shines a bright spotlight on your current mood and the progress you are making toward full freedom from depression. This article addresses how rating scales can help get you unstuck in your depression treatment.

There is growing evidence showing that yoga is beneficial for depression. Researchers are looking at biological mechanisms, but are there other factors involved? Yoga practices vary, which makes determining the mechanism of its benefit difficult. However, observing yoga from a holistic perspective, rather than only from a neurobiological standpoint, may lead to insights into how yoga helps depression.

When depression hits, it’s nice when the first treatment that you try works. On the other hand, depression that gets partially better only to worsen again is frustrating and demoralizing. Having a plan for treatment-resistant depression will get you better faster. This article outlines basic steps that are part of a larger plan for getting rid of your depression.

It has been definitively proven that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression. The researchers in the Stanford SAINT study achieved better results in a shorter time, getting 90.5% of severely depressed patients to full freedom from depression.

It is important to know that medical conditions can cause depression or mimic the symptoms of depression. While dozens of medical conditions can contribute to depression, this article covers 10 of the most common. Knowing what these conditions are and screening for them can ensure better treatment and a speedier recovery.

Everyone needs a safety plan. Death by suicide is usually attributable to depression, yet even people who have no depression at all are at risk of suicide at times of extreme stress and vulnerability. This article describes the nature of suicidal thoughts and how to develop a safety plan to prevent suicide.

50% of lifetime mental illness starts by age 14 and 75% of lifetime mental illness starts by age 24. It has been conclusively proven that mental illness is a disease of youth, yet the FDA has done little to approve mental health treatments for youth. This article addresses some of the enormous missteps by the FDA and what they – and you – can do today to improve the mental health of children.

Regular exercise is a strategy that not only helps major depression but also helps prevent mental illness. There is an abundance of research on the positive effects of exercise on mental and physical health and the results for depression are amazing. This article explains the effects of exercise on depression and how to make it work for you.

Anxious and self-critical thoughts steal joy from life, even from our favorite activities and greatest accomplishments. Practicing mindfulness will result in decreased overall anxiety and help you to be kinder to yourself as you develop the ability to calm your mind and let go of the need to judge yourself for every mistake, real or perceived. This article provides an introduction to mindfulness.

Behavioral Activation is a strategy that not only helps major depression but also helps prevent mental illness. The activities and structure of behavioral activation encourage us to have a routine of healthy, uplifting and prosocial behavior. This article explains behavioral activation and how it works.

Sleep problems are one of the most challenging and frustrating things that many people deal with on a regular basis. Accepting insomnia is a critical component of improving your sleep and not letting it control your emotions. This article explains 16 ways to improve your sleep and several backup strategies if healthy sleep habits are not enough.

CBT is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy demonstrated in research. It is a time-limited therapy that is focused on skills-building. This article outlines basic CBT principles, explains how it works and includes an example thought log. Read more to figure out if CBT is the right fit for you.

Finding a good therapist can be difficult and stressful. It's hard to know from online ratings who the best therapists are in your community. If you desire the best treatment, read this article to learn about the core elements of excellent psychotherapy and how to find a good therapist.

Finding a good psychiatrist can be difficult and stressful. It's hard to know if online ratings are of any use or who can tell you who the good doctors are in your community. If you desire the best treatment, read this article on finding excellent psychiatric care and medication management as well as psychiatrist red flags to watch for.