(ARA) – Of the 15 million American adults who suffer from major depression each year, less than 25 percent currently receive treatment despite the fact that depression can be effectively managed with therapy and medication.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you are diagnosed with depression and currently taking an antidepressant, this is a good time to talk with your doctor about how you are doing. Antidepressants affect individuals differently, so it is important to let your doctor know how your antidepressant is working for you.

Medication can help reduce symptoms of depression. The first antidepressant you try may work fine. However, if it doesn’t relieve your symptoms the way you think it should, or causes side effects that bother you, there may be other options to consider. Research has shown that not all medications work for all patients; that is why additional treatment options are needed.

This May, or at your next appointment, make it a point to speak candidly to your doctor about your treatment experience and whether your current antidepressant is the right option for you.

Tips for talking to your doctor

How do you know if your antidepressant is really working for you? Antidepressants work differently for different people. It is important to speak to your doctor about: