How is depression diagnosed and treated?
Depression, even the most severe cases, can be effectively treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is.
The first step to getting appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor or mental health specialist. Certain medications, and some medical conditions such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A doctor can rule out these possibilities by doing a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. If the doctor can find no medical condition that may be causing the depression, the next step is a psychological evaluation.
The doctor may refer you to a mental health professional, who should discuss with you any family history of depression or other mental disorder, and get a complete history of your symptoms. You should discuss when your symptoms started, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, and whether they have occurred before and if so, how they were treated. The mental health professional may also ask if you are using alcohol or drugs, and if you are thinking about death or suicide.
Once diagnosed, a person with depression can be treated in several ways. The most common treatments are medication and psychotherapy.
How can I help a loved one who is depressed?
If you know someone who is depressed, it affects you too. The most important thing you can do is help your friend or relative get a diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make an appointment and go with him or her to see the doctor. Encourage your loved one to stay in treatment, or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after 6 to 8 weeks.
TO HELP YOUR FRIEND OR RELATIVE
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Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
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Talk to him or her, and listen carefully.
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Never dismiss feelings, but point out realities and offer hope.
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Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your loved one’s therapist or doctor.
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Invite your loved one out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if he or she declines, but don’t push him or her to take on too much too soon.
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Provide assistance in getting to the doctor’s appointments.
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Remind your loved one that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.
How can I help myself if I am depressed?
If you have depression, you may feel exhausted, helpless, and hopeless. It may be extremely difficult to take any action to help yourself. But as you begin to recognize your depression and begin treatment, you will start to feel better.
TO HELP YOURSELF
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Do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated. There is research showing the longer one waits, the greater the impairment can be down the road. Try to see a professional as soon as possible.
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Try to be active and exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or another event or activity that you once enjoyed.
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Set realistic goals for yourself.
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Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can.
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Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you.
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Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly “snap out of” your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts.
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Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs, until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
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Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment.
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Continue to educate yourself about depression.
Where can I go for help?
If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor. Others who can help are listed below.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
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Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
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Health maintenance organizations
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Community mental health centers
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Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
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Mental health programs at universities or medical schools
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State hospital outpatient clinics
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Family services, social agencies, or clergy
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Peer support groups
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Private clinics and facilities
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Employee assistance programs
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Local medical and/or psychiatric societies
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You can also check the phone book under “mental health,” “health,” “social services,” “hotlines,” or “physicians” for phone numbers and addresses. An emergency room doctor also can provide temporary help and can tell you where and how to get further help.
What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
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If you are thinking about harming yourself, or know someone who is, tell someone who can help immediately.
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Do not leave your friend or relative alone, and do not isolate yourself.
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Call your doctor.
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Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help, or ask a friend or family member to help you do these things.
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Call the NFL LifeLine for confidential support: 1-800-506-0078.
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Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor
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Source: Content provided by National Institute of Mental Health