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. Fewer than 4.7 million of those, about 1/3, will seek medical help. Why is this the case? Mental illness is a scary concept, and that's where depression has been filed. That label is one people tend to avoid. There was a time in our history when those who suffered mental illness were shunned by society. When depression became apparent in people they were often sent away to clinics for the mentally ill. The good news is things have become different. However, old stereotypes have not. This influences many Americans to keep their illness to themselves.

Depression is caused by many factors. It is not a simple diagnosis. Chemical balance in the brain, DNA, biology and even environment have to be considered. Drugs, alcohol and stress all can play a major role in the development of depression. These elements and more can lead to 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 depression

Many claim they have a cure for depression. Methods of treatment that are safe and that work to cure depression do exist. A doctor looks at a number of factors to determine which combination of options to apply. Has the method being considered been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of depression? Is a prescription drug or herbal treatment being applied in the proper quantity to show results? Has the method been tested under an appropriate level of scientific method? Let's examine some of the more popular cures.

For years the typical treatment for many forms of depression has been prescription drugs and psychotherapy. To treat depression a typical type of drug recommended is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRI. First used in the U.S. In 1988, Prozac has become one of the most common. Drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Luvox as well as others are also used. All of these work. However, prescription drugs are expensive and offer many side effects. Becoming more common are natural treatments. St Johns Wort extract is one herbal cure gaining popularity quickly. To be effective it must contain around 3-5% hyperforin. Studies and actual cases show it to be as effective as 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.