There are several types of treatment for depression today, reflecting the many different ways depression can affect people. Because depression shows up differently from person to person, treatment often needs to be tailored to each individual’s symptoms, history, and goals.
In this article, we’re exploring several types of treatment for depression, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes and how they can work together.
Types of Treatment for Depression
Depression is a very common, potentially serious, and treatable mental health condition that affects about one in 15 adults annually. Approximately one in six people will experience depression at some point in their lifetime. It’s important to remember that depression is more than feeling sad for a few days—learn why in our article on why depression is more than being sad.
Some symptoms of depression include sadness, apathy, loss of interest in activities, low energy, sleep changes, appetite changes, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can also show up physically as muscle aches, digestive issues, and headaches. In more severe cases, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts, which is one reason depression should always be taken seriously.
The good news is that depression is treatable. There are many different types of treatment for depression, and often a combination of approaches is used to help keep symptoms under control. You can also learn more about specific subtypes in our guide to 5 types of depression and how treatment helps.
Below are several effective treatment options for depression.
Different Types of Therapy
Many people with depression are encouraged by their mental health providers to participate in therapy. Therapy can be individual or in groups, done in person or online. It can take time to find the right therapist or approach, and it’s important that you feel comfortable and understood in the process. Here are some common types of therapy that can be effective for depression:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This form of talk therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. Over time, you learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more balanced, realistic thinking.
- Psychodynamic therapy. If your depression is linked to past trauma, difficult childhood experiences, or unresolved relationship patterns, psychodynamic therapy can help you explore and work through these deeper issues.
- Supportive counseling. Sometimes, having a safe space to talk about what you’re going through can reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Supportive counseling focuses on validation, coping skills, and emotional support.
- Couples or family therapy. Depression can affect the entire household. Involving partners or family members can improve communication, understanding, and support at home.
- Support groups. Support groups bring together people who are all living with depression. They may be professionally facilitated or peer-led. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can be validating and empowering.
- Online therapy and resources. Many of the above options can be accessed online, which can be helpful if you have limited mobility, transportation, or time. Online therapy and support groups can be just as effective for many people.
If you relate to “high-functioning” depression—appearing fine on the outside while struggling internally—you may find our article on symptoms of high-functioning depression helpful.
Different Types of Medication
Some people with depression benefit from medication, especially when symptoms are moderate to severe, long-lasting, or interfering significantly with daily life. It’s common to try more than one antidepressant, and sometimes a combination of medications, to find what works best with the fewest side effects.
Medication is often most effective when combined with therapy and lifestyle changes. Here are several medication categories used to treat depression:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are commonly prescribed because they are effective for many people and generally have fewer side effects than older medications. Examples include sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), and fluoxetine (Prozac). Learn more from the Mayo Clinic’s overview of SSRIs.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). An older class of antidepressants, TCAs can be very effective but may have more side effects than SSRIs. They are sometimes used for treatment-resistant depression. Examples include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil).
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications work similarly to SSRIs but affect both serotonin and norepinephrine. Common brands include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). Learn more from this SNRI overview.
- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). NDRIs, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), affect norepinephrine and dopamine and may have a different side effect profile than SSRIs or SNRIs.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These are older antidepressants that can be helpful when newer medications don’t work, but they require dietary restrictions and careful monitoring. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Learn more from the Mayo Clinic’s MAOI guide.
- Esketamine. Esketamine is a newer nasal spray medication used for treatment-resistant depression under close medical supervision. It is usually given in a clinic setting alongside an oral antidepressant.
Finding the right medication can take time and should always be done under the guidance of a licensed prescriber. Never start, stop, or adjust your medication without discussing it with your provider.
Lifestyle Changes
While lifestyle changes alone may not fully resolve moderate or severe depression, they can play a powerful supportive role in a comprehensive treatment plan. For mild depression, they can sometimes make a substantial difference on their own.
- Exercise. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and improve anxiety, sleep, and overall well-being.
- Getting enough sleep. Sleep disturbances are common in depression. Working with your doctor or therapist on sleep hygiene, or treating insomnia directly, can improve mood and resilience.
- Eating a healthy diet. While nutrition alone won’t cure depression, a more balanced diet can support energy, concentration, and physical health—and may help you feel more stable day to day.
- Spending time with others. Depression is often linked with social isolation. Making small, manageable efforts to connect with others—whether through friends, family, support groups, or community activities—can help reduce loneliness and improve mood.
- Taking it one day at a time. When depression feels overwhelming, breaking things into smaller steps can help. Our article on how to handle depression one day at a time offers practical, manageable strategies.
Depression can affect every area of life, but you are not alone—and help is available. If you suspect you’re struggling with depression, consider reading about the different types of depression and reaching out for support sooner rather than later.
Talk to your doctor if you think you may have depression. You can also take an online depression screening and share the results with your provider to start the conversation. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek help immediately—call your doctor, go to the emergency room, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the United States.
Sources
- American Psychiatric Association – What Is Depression?
- National Institute of Mental Health – Depression Overview
- NCBI – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
- Mayo Clinic – SSRIs: How They Work and Side Effects
- Healthline – SNRIs for Depression
- Mayo Clinic – MAOIs for Depression
- NCBI – Exercise for Mental Health
- Tulane University – Effects of Social Isolation on Mental Health
- Mental Health America – Depression Screening Tool
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
