antidepressants

A new study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that antidepressants such as Prozac and Paxil alter two key personality traits linked to depression – neuroticism and extraversion. "Medication can definitely change people's personalities, and change them quite substantially," says the lead author of the study, Tony Z.

People who are physically active tend to be less depressed than those who live a more sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical activity seems to have antidepressant qualities that can help increase endorphins, the feel good hormone. Not only does exercise induce endorphins, it helps creates neural growth in the brain which is important in a depressed brain that is depleted of neurons.