Antidepressant medications correct these imbalances. The two most common types are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac and tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil. While antidepressant medications have been shown to be extremely effective, many can cause side effects, some of which are temporary. Since different medications affect individuals differently, you and your doctor may need to try more than one before you find the right one or combination. For some cases of depression, talking with a trained mental health professional can help teach people how to better handle problems, change negative styles of thinking, and how to change relationships that can cause or worsen clinical depression.
Lifestyle factors including diet and exercise can impact depression.
Regular exercise such as walking, running, swimming, or other aerobic activity causes the brain to produce more of the chemicals that combat depression. Exercise also can make you look better, which in turn raises self-esteem and decreases depression. Reach Out for Help Building and maintaining a strong support network of friends and relatives can help prevent and aid recovery from clinical depression. Seeking help from a spiritual source also has proven helpful for many. People with a strong spiritual faith have a lower risk for depression.