Some people with milder forms may do well with psychotherapy alone. People with moderate to severe depression most often benefit from antidepressants. Often people don't know they are depressed, so they don't ask for or get the right help. Myths Myths about depression often separate people from the effective treatments now available. Friends need to know the facts.
Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnic, or economic group.
Teens who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. There's nothing anyone else can do to help. Both young people and adults who are depressed need professional treatment. A trained therapist or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change behavior, cope with problems, or handle relationships. A physician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression.