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How to cure depression

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Treating depression requires a comprehensive approach, including medication, psychotherapy, physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and social support interventions. Most patients can achieve significant symptom relief and return to normal life with standardized treatment. If persistent low mood, suicidal thoughts, or similar symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Antidepressant medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.

To effectively treat depression, a comprehensive approach involving medication, psychotherapy, physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and social support interventions is required. Most patients can experience symptom improvement and return to normal life with standardized treatment. If persistent low mood, suicidal thoughts, or similar symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Medication: Under a doctor's guidance, antidepressant medications are used to alleviate symptoms by regulating the balance of brain neurotransmitters. It is essential to take the full prescribed dose for the complete duration; stopping or reducing medication without consultation should be avoided to prevent relapse.

2. Psychotherapy: Includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and supportive psychotherapy, helping patients adjust negative thought patterns, reduce psychological stress, and learn emotional coping skills to improve mental health at its root.

3. Physical Therapy: For patients with severe depression or inadequate response to medication, treatments such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to rapidly control severe symptoms and create favorable conditions for further treatment.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments: Maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late; engage in moderate exercise regularly, such as jogging or yoga; eat a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition; reduce intake of alcohol and caffeine. Healthy habits can assist in emotional regulation.

5. Social Support Interventions: Family and friends should offer understanding and companionship, avoid criticism or negation, encourage participation in social activities to reduce feelings of loneliness, and consider joining support groups to gain emotional validation and peer support.

During recovery, maintain regular follow-up visits, adjust treatment plans as directed by healthcare providers, cultivate hobbies to redirect attention, learn self-emotional regulation techniques, avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress, and gradually rebuild a positive and healthy lifestyle.

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