Have you or someone close to you been diagnosed with depression? You may know that there are treatments available to help with depression. What about prevention? 

No one has a clear answer. The majority of experts believe it cannot be prevented. Some experts are unsure. 

You can't control many of the factors that increase your risk of depression. These include your genes, chemicals within your mind, and your environment. Depression is often the result of a major change in life or trauma. You may also experience depression if you suffer from another medical condition, such as diabetes or Parkinson's. 

It is possible that you cannot protect yourself completely from these situations. You can alter how you deal with the stress that they can cause. You can prevent depression from getting worse if you already have it. 

Stop depression from returning. 

Although doctors do not know if it is possible to completely prevent depression, if you have already experienced an episode, you can keep it at bay. To do this, some therapists employ a technique called mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). 

MBCT combines mindfulness with cognitive therapy. This changes your way of thinking. Mindfulness is about focusing on the moment. The method is designed to help those with depression become aware of negative thoughts and change them. 

There are other psychotherapies that can be effective, including interpersonal therapy (which focuses on relationships). 

Other ways to prevent depression include medicine, lifestyle changes, and nutrition. These steps have been shown to reduce depression episodes by 25 percent or more in some studies. However, more research is needed. 

What you can do 

You can't prevent depression. But you can learn how to manage stress and boost your self-esteem. 

• Take care of yourself. Eat well, get enough rest, and workout regularly. 

• When times are tough, reach out to your family and friends. 

• See your doctor if you feel ill. 

• If you feel depressed, seek help. Waiting could make it worse.

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You can prevent depression from worsening by doing a few simple things. 

• Follow your prescribed treatment plan. Take your medication as prescribed, whether or not you feel well. Do not skip your therapy sessions. Tell your doctor what works and doesn't work for you. 

• Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and You may think that these substances make you feel better. They can make depression harder to treat. 

• Use meditation or yoga to combat stress. 

• Spend time with your family and friends. Consider joining a support group. Keep yourself connected with others by doing things. 

• Know yourself. Be aware of the things you notice that make your symptoms worse. Keep a record and inform your doctor or therapist. 

• Make no major life decisions when you are feeling low. 

• Speak to your doctor or therapist about medications that can prevent depression from returning.