Often, especially among groups of people where "toughness" is a valued trait, there’s a stigma that is associated with psychiatric or psychological illnesses such as depression.

Unfortunately, this stigma can get in the way of getting help.

• Help is available. Depression is very treatable. With treatment, almost everyone gets better.
  
• Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness. It doesn’t "just go away" on its own. Don’t expect to "just snap out of it."
  
• In addition to speaking to your health care provider, you can also do the following things to help yourself. They might be hard to do, especially when you’re feeling down and sad, but it’s important to try:
  
  • Exercising regularly: research has shown that aerobic exercise can be a useful treatment for depression
    
  • Making sure that you get out and are social. Participating in social activities, even when you don’t feel like it, helps to stimulate your mind and body places you in a supportive environment.
    
  • Talking to someone. Even if you’re uncomfortable approaching your doctor with your feelings, talk to a trusted friend, your spouse, or someone else whom you trust. They can help you.
    
  • Letting people help you. Don’t shut your friends and family out of your life. They want you to feel better.
    
  • Setting realistic goals. Realize that you’re not yourself, and adjust your goals accordingly. Break larger tasks into smaller ones. Work in shorter increments of time.

Treatments that your doctor might suggest include:

• Medications to help regulate the brain chemicals.
  
• Cognitive behavioral therapy is different from traditional "talk therapy" in that it is more structured and is geared toward teaching you how to manage specific symptoms of your depression.
  
• Traditional psychotherapy involves talking with a trained therapist about different aspects of yourself and your life that might be contributing to your feelings.