Depression is not a rare issue, and it affects more people than you would think. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 15.7 million adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in the year 2014, making it even more important that people know their options when it comes to treatment.
"Some people do need psychotherapy — [which can be] better than medication because it lasts longer — and some people need to add an antidepressant medication," says psychologist Lynn D. Johnson, Ph.D. over email. "But I believe over half of depressed people can change how much they move, how often they mingle, and how they design their meals and get very substantial relief.