Treatment Coping Skills for Depression

Depression can be treated successfully by psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy or counseling is a treatment in which people, through the help of a therapist, talk about the problems they are experiencing and find helpful ways of coping with difficulties in their lives. Therapists give support, expert feedback and interpretations, and help people find their own solutions rather than offer advice. Psychotherapy at Manhattanville College is free and confidential and available to full-time students who have paid the school’s insurance fee.

Medication used to treat depression are called anti-depressant drugs. These drugs act on brain chemicals which affect the way one feels. Anti-depressants usually take 2 to 3 weeks to start working and may have side effects. Students prescribed medication by the psychiatrist at the Counseling Center are carefully monitored by the psychiatrist. Consultation or sessions with the psychiatrist are free and confidential and are available to full-time students who have paid the school’s insurance fee.


Other helpful activities in managing depression are staying active through exercise, creating a support system by not isolating from friends and family, and engaging in activities that are positive and fun. Healthy eating habits, a regular sleep schedule, meditation, listening to music, self help books, and an optimistic view of life are also important.

Professionals have noted the reluctance of some men to seek therapy. Men need to know there is no shame in getting professional help. The fear of what others might think should not stop a man from doing what is best for his well being. Treatment works!