The thing is, antidepressants don’t always work. Though depression symptoms are found in more than a quarter of US adults, treatment for and research surrounding the disorder still has ways to go. This Elemental article suggests that before you turn to medication, ensure that antidepressants are right for your specific needs, instead of as a first-line defense. The article cites studies on the side effects of these types of medication as well as their tendency to become less effective over time, and its lack of success for those with mild cases of depression, to promote the consideration of other forms of aid, such as psychotherapy. Ultimately, as the article emphasizes, there is no one cure, no one-size-fits-all solution. “Depression is a multifaceted illness,” says Professor Jyoti Mishra of the UC San Diego School of Medicine. “We need to approach it with personalized treatment, whether that be therapy with a mental health professional, more exercise, or a combination of approaches.” Read the entire article and the rest of the four part series on depression here.