Each type of psychotherapy may take place in individual, group, or family sessions. It is generally used for individuals with severe depression and for patients who cannot tolerate medication because of a medical condition or are at immediate risk for suicide. Self-help groups can provide a supportive environment for an individual with depression, his or her family, and friends. The National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and some local hospitals offer support groups. People with depression need treatment in order to function fully and modulate the chance of recurrence.
Treatment is highly effective.
With appropriate treatment, many people can experience improvement in as little as 8 weeks. In addition, the costs to not getting treatment are very high. People can lose their jobs, destroy relationships, and isolate themselves from their communities. Physical and mental health suffer as well. Depression is also costly to society.