Yes, clinical depression is a serious medical condition, but can be treated; It is not a nor should be seen as a personal weakness.

Those who have experienced an episode of major depression can put a person at higher risk for future episodes. This is not to say that everyone with experiences of depression will experience it again. Access to the right treatment is vital to recovery and will help identify and prevent future episodes of depression.

If left untreated, types of depressive disorders can last for months or sometimes years. A major depressive episode is characterised by a set of symptoms that typically lasts for a few months.. Bipolar disorder is characterised as “ups” (periods of mania) and “downs” (periods of extreme depression). Though these phases may change rapidly or slowly, bipolar depression can last until an effective treatment is found. Dysthymia is mild and more difficult to identify and may last for years if left untreated.

Alternative therapy describes any treatment or technique that has not been scientifically documented or identified as safe or effective for a specific condition. Alternative therapy involves a variety of disciplines that include everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. Examples of alternative therapies include yoga, acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic care, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage and many others. If you are interested in trying any of these options, talk to your doctor.

• Expect your mood to improve gradually not immediately.

• Seek out professional help.

• Avoid negative influences. 

• Try to be active.

• Set realistic goals, break larger goals into smaller ones.

• Set some priorities.

• Remind them it is possible to overcome depression.

• Spend time with other people even if it seems irritable, confide in a trusted friend or relative and try not to isolate yourself.

• When your sleep and appetite improve, respond positively to such developments. Postpone important decisions like getting married or divorced or changing jobs.

• Continue to learn more about depression.

• Show support, emotional empathy, patience, understanding and positive encouragement.

• Talking always helps, speak with them, listen to them. 

• All feelings are valid, do not dismiss any feelings. 

• References to suicide should always be taken seriously.

• Even if invitations are ignored, Invite your loved one out for activities that they used to love once.

• Talking to a therapist could be a big step, company taking this step could be very helpful. 

• Remind them it is possible to overcome depression.

• Try to remind them of how much they mean to you and how wonderful they are.

• Arrange for hospitalization if they experience hallucinations, suicidal tendencies or delusions.
• Don’t give up on the person remind them often that they deserve to feel better.