Getting help

| April 1, 2008

In-Depth Report

Understanding Depression

What is depression?

What causes depression?

Suicide: Recognizing the risk

How is depression diagnosed?

Treating depression

Complementary therapies for depression

Overcoming barriers to treatment

The problem of recurrence

Getting help

Depression, sex, and age

On the horizon

Glossary

Resources

Getting help

Asking for help may seem like the hardest task in the world, especially if you feel exhausted and hopeless. Yet that's just what you need to do if you have symptoms of depression or mania. Even if your symptoms are more vague or you don't know exactly what the problem is, you may still benefit from a doctor's opinion and evaluation. If you feel lost or stuck, or are concerned about a feeling, thought, behavior, or situation, seek help.

The first step is often the hardest. Talk with your doctor about your problems, or get a referral to a mental health professional from your doctor, a friend, or one of the organizations listed in this report (see "Resources"). If you are in a crisis or feel suicidal, immediately call 1-800-SUICIDE for advice or go to your local emergency room.

Together, you and your doctor or therapist can decide on a treatment plan to alleviate your distress. In addition, the following practical suggestions may help you navigate safely through this difficult time:

Ask a friend or family member to accompany you to your first appointment to help describe your problem, assist you in getting treatment, or simply offer support.

Take medications as directed. Don't skip pills or change doses without consulting your doctor. Also, report any side effects right away, and if necessary, talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan.

Set realistic goals for yourself. Try not to take on more than you can handle.

Join in activities, and try not to isolate yourself from others. Depending on your personal preferences, attending religious services, having a meal with an understanding friend, or going to a movie, ball game, or concert may help lift your mood.

Try to exercise regularly or take a daily walk.

Hold off on making big decisions — about moving, changing jobs, getting married, or seeking a divorce — until your depression has eased or is under control.

If you decide to try a "natural" remedy, such as St. John's wort, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it might interact with any other medication you're taking.

Friends and family often want to help. Let them.

How to cope when a loved one is depressed, suicidal, or manic

Like a pebble thrown into a pond, depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder create ripples that spread far from their immediate point of impact. Those closest to people who have these illnesses often suffer alongside them. It's upsetting to see a loved one so distressed, and it's exhausting and often frustrating to deal with the inevitable fallout. But you can do a lot to help a loved one and yourself handle this difficult period.

Encourage him or her to get treatment and stick with it. Remind the person about taking medication or keeping therapy appointments. Don't ignore comments about suicide. If you believe your loved one is suicidal, call his or her doctor or therapist. If neither is available, call a local crisis center or emergency room.

Care for yourself. Being a caretaker is a difficult job. You may want to seek individual or group therapy. Numerous mental health organizations sponsor such groups (see "Resources") and can also provide you with information on the illness and the latest treatments.

Offer emotional support. Your patience and love can make a huge difference. Ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. Try not to brush off or judge the other person's feelings, but do offer hope. Suggest activities that you can do together, and keep in mind that it takes time to get better. Remind yourself that a disease is causing your loved one to act differently or perhaps be difficult. Do not blame him or her, just like you wouldn't if it were chronic physical pain that caused the person to change in certain ways.

Try to prevent reckless acts during manic episodes. It's all too common for a person to make poor decisions when manic, so it's a good idea to try to prevent this problem by limiting access to cars, credit cards, and bank accounts. Watch for signs that a manic episode is emerging (see "What are your symptoms?"). Disruption of sleep patterns can trigger an episode, so support your loved one in keeping a regular sleep schedule. Consistent patterns for other activities such as eating, exercising, and socializing may also help.

Review Date: 2008-04-01

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