Depression takes many different forms. Many Americans are affected by depression and they don't even know it or they are not willing to accept it. Depression afflicts about 14 million Americans. |It is also estimated that less than a third of those affected will ever seek treatment|Fewer than 4.7 million of those, about 1/3, will seek medical help|Unfortunately only a very small percent, less than 1/3, will go for treatment}. Why would people with a medical condition not seek help? Mental illness is a scary concept, and that's where depression has been filed. That label is one people tend to avoid. People who suffered from mental illness were, at one time in history, ridiculed by society. It was common to lock away people in facilities for the mentally ill when they exhibited signs of depression. Fortunately times have changed. But what hasn't changed are old stereotypes. Many Americans keep their problem to themselves, motivated by this. Many elements make up depression. It is not a simple diagnosis. You have to take into consideration the chemical imbalances in the brain, genetics, biology and even the environment surrounding the individual. Drug abusers and alcoholics can develop depression, but so can people just dealing with every day life situations and stress. These are all factors in causes depression. So what are some of the treatments and cures available for those that are inflicted? Just as there are many factors that can cause depression-there are many options to cure it as well. It comes down to a case by case consideration as to which options are best for someone who suffers depressionMany claim they have a cure for depression. Methods of treatment that are safe and that work to cure depression do exist. Here are some of the factors considered when these options are examined. Has the method being considered been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of depression? Does it have an appropriate dose to be effective if a drug or herb? Has the method been tested under an appropriate level of scientific method? Some of the most popular treatments deserve a look.Prescription drugs and psychotherapy, combined, has been a common treatment for many forms of depression. Prescription anti-depressants like SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are often prescribed as a treatment for depression. First used in the U.S. In 1988, Prozac has become on of the most common. Drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Luvox as well as others are also used. All have been proven to be effective. However, prescription drugs are expensive and offer many side effects. That is why natural cures are becoming so popular today. St Johns Wort extract is one herbal cure gaining popularity quickly. In order to work it must contain between 3 and 5 % hyperforin. It's success rate is similar to that of Prozac but with fewer side effects. As important as it is to find a cure-it is impossible to do so if those who suffer do not seek it. Seek medical care at once if you or a loved one suffer from depression.