Treatment usually involves medicines, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.

In most states, after the age of 14, you have the right to see a physician and have it remain completely confidential. You have to remember though, if you intend to use your parents insurance, your parents will of course find out.

Also, if you are suspected of harming yourself or others, the doctor has to break the confidentiality in order to protect you from harm.

The development of newer antidepressant medications and mood-stabilizing drugs in the last 20 years has revolutionized treatment of depression. Medication can relieve symptoms of depression, and it has become the first line of treatment for most types of the disorder.

Treatment may also include psychotherapy, which may help you cope with ongoing problems that may trigger or contribute to depression. Treatment may also include psychotherapy, which may help you cope with ongoing problems that may trigger or contribute to depression. A combination of medications and a brief course of psychotherapy usually is effective if you have mild to moderate depression. If you're severely depressed, initial treatment usually is with medications or electroconvulsive therapy. Once you improve, psychotherapy can be more effective.

Doctors usually treat depression in two stages. Acute treatment with medications helps relieve symptoms until you feel well. Once your symptoms ease, maintenance treatment typically continues for 6 to 12 months to prevent a relapse. It's important to keep taking your medication even though you feel fine and are back to your usual activities. Episodes of depression recur in the majority of people who have one episode, but continuing treatment for at least 6 months greatly reduces your risk of a rapid relapse. If you've had three or more previous episodes of depression, your doctor may suggest long-term treatment with antidepressants.

Life is not always easy, and sometimes it's difficult to smile when the dark clouds move in to block the sun.

But you must have faith that things will get better. Reach inside and draw on your strength and hope. It's still there, waiting to see you through this difficult time. The night may seem long, but think of all the possibilities that the dawn might hold. And in the end, you'll be a stronger person from this, and you'll be so proud that you made it. But you must have faith that things will get better. Reach inside and draw on your strength and hope. It's still there, waiting to see you through this difficult time. The night may seem long, but think of all the possibilities that the dawn might hold. And in the end, you'll be a stronger person from this, and you'll be so proud that you made it.