Final answer:
Overcoming mild depression can involve psychological interventions such as positive reinforcement, cognitive therapy, psychotherapy, and support groups. Pharmacological interventions can include medications such as SSRIs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Physical intervention can also be effective, with exercise often recommended.
Step-by-step explanation:
The book suggests various ways of overcoming mild depression, which might include a blend of psychological and physical approaches. Such multidisciplinary approaches often result in the most effective treatment plans.
Psychological Interventions
Researchers have found increased happiness in participants who wrote down three good things that occurred each day for a period of time, indicating positive reinforcement can help mitigate mild depression (Diener et al., 2006). The use of cognitive therapy and psychotherapy has been found to be effective in treating both moderate and severe depression (DeRubeis et al., 2005). Being in a supportive group with similar individuals, such as others experiencing post-partum depression, can also provide emotional relief and reduce feelings of guilt.
Pharmacological Interventions
Medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are often used in the treatment of depression. These drugs help to correct neurotransmitter imbalances that can cause depressive symptoms.
Physical Interventions
Other therapeutic approaches to treating mild depression include physical exercise, which can help reduce depressive symptoms and improve overall mood (Craft et al., 2012). In some severe cases, deep-brain stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy might be used, though these are typically last resorts.
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