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Getting
Help
for Depression
The very nature of depressive illnesses can interfere with a person's ability
or wish to get help. Depression saps energy and self-esteem and makes a person
feel tired, worthless, helpless, and hopeless.
Therefore, seriously depressed people need encouragement from family and
friends to seek treatment to ease their pain.
Deciding whether or not to seek professional help?
There are times when a person who is experiencing depression will get better
without treatment. How does a person decide whether to seek professional help?
Some questions for the person to consider are:
1) Is the distress level intense enough that they want to do something about
it?
2) Do they feel that they are no longer able to problem-solve on their own?
Do they feel the need for more support?
3) Is the level of distress such that it is negatively affecting their
relationships, usual activities, or work? and
4) Are they contemplating suicide?
A person who answers yes to one or more of these questions may benefit from
entering a counseling relationship with a mental health professional.
Remember, if you have any doubts or questions
about seeking help for depression, it is better to be on the safe side and go
ahead and speak with a professional. If you are unsure where to go for help,
check the Yellow Pages under "mental health," "health," "social services,"
"suicide prevention," "crisis intervention services," "hotlines," "hospitals,"
or "physicians" for phone numbers and addresses. In times of crisis, the
emergency room doctor at a hospital may be able to provide temporary help for an
emotional problem, and will be able to tell you where and how to get further
help.
Depression Treatment Services/Referrals
The following individuals or organizations can
often provide treatment services and/or make referrals for service:
* Family doctors
* Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social
workers, or mental health counselors
* Health maintenance organizations
* Community mental health centers
* Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
* University- or medical school-affiliated programs
* State hospital outpatient clinics
* Family service, social agencies, or clergy
* Private clinics and facilities
* Employee assistance programs
* Local medical and/or psychiatric societies
Depression Support Organizations
A support and advocacy organization of
consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illness - over
1,200 state and local affiliates. Local affiliates often give guidance to
finding treatment.
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
730 N. Franklin St., Suite #501
Chicago, IL 60610-7204
(312) 988-1150
Fax: (312) 642-7243
Internet: www.DBSAlliance.org
Purpose is to educate patients, families, and the public concerning the
nature of depressive illnesses. Maintains an extensive catalog of helpful books.
National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc.
P.O. Box 2257
New York, NY 10116
1-212-268-4260; 1-800-239-1265
Website: http://www.depression.org
A foundation that informs the public about depressive illness and its
treatability and promotes programs of research, education, and treatment.
National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 1-800-969-6942 or (703) 684-7722
TTY-800-443-5959
Internet: http://www.nmha.org
An association that works with 340 affilitates to promote mental health
through advocacy, education, research, and services.
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