There are many different forms of depression. Many Americans are affected by depression and they don’t even know it or they are not willing to accept it.

It is estimated that some 14 million Americans are affected by depression. |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 exam help|Unfortunately only a very small percent, less than 1/3, will go for treatment. Why is this the case? Maybe it’s due to the fact that mental illness is considered a mental illness. That label is one people tend to avoid.

It wasn’t that long ago that society shunned those unfortunate enough to be categorized with mental illness. When depression became apparent in people they were often sent away to clinics for the mentally ill. Times have changed now, thank goodness. But what hasn’t changed are old stereotypes. This motivates many people to hide their condition from others or even from themselves.

Many factors contribute to depression. Diagnosis isn’t simple. Chemical balance in the brain, DNA, biology and even environment have to be considered. Drugs, alcohol and stress all can play a major function in the development of depression. These are all factors in causes depression.

So what are some of the treatments and cures available for those that are inflicted? There are many options for treatment and even cure, just as there are many causes for depression.

These options are generally considered after evaluating the individual afflicted with depression

There are many supposed cures 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? Have high quality control standards been used when accepting the 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. SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are prescribed to treat 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. Case history shows all of these to be effective. These drugs have a lot of side effects.

Becoming more common are natural treatments. St Johns Wort extract is one herbal cure gaining popularity quickly. It must have between three and five percent hyperforin to work.

It has been proven to work as well as Prozac 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.

If you or someone you know suffers from depression seek medical attention immediately.