Depression: Helping Someone Get Treatment

How can you help?

If you're worried about a loved one or a friend, you probably want to talk to him or her about your concerns. Here are some things you can do:

Tell the person about depression and why you are concerned

• Stress that depression is not laziness or something in the head. It's a common disease and is nothing to be embarrassed about.
• Point out the symptoms of depression that you have noticed in your family member or friend, and say why these symptoms worry you. Use a supportive and caring tone of voice while you are doing this.
  • Ask the person to answer a few questions to see if he or she might be depressed.

Explain why the person needs to see a health professional

• Explain that very few people get over depression on their own. Most people need some type of treatment. The sooner someone gets treatment, the sooner he or she will feel better.
• Point out that there are many types of professionals who treat depression and many types of treatment. Just because a person is depressed doesn't mean that he or she needs to see a psychologist or take medicine. A family doctor or a counselor may be able to help.
• Point out that depression might be caused by another problem. For example, many people have an underactive thyroid, which can cause symptoms of depression. A doctor can diagnose this and give the person thyroid medicine. This will stop the depression. A doctor also can tell if a medicine, such as one used for high blood pressure, might be causing depression.

Watch for the warning signs of suicide

• Watch for the warning signs of suicide, such as talking a lot about death or giving things away and writing a will. If you notice them, call the doctor.
• Call 911 or emergency help if you think:
  • The person is going to harm himself or herself or others. For example, the person has a written plan or a weapon or is saving (stockpiling) medicines.
  • The person is hearing or seeing things that aren't real.
  • The person seems to be thinking or speaking in a bizarre way that is not like his or her usual behavior.

Help the person overcome fears about treatment

Many people have reasons why they don't want to see a doctor. Talk about these barriers, and help the person find solutions.

Barriers and solutions for getting treatment for depression

Barrier	Solution
"See a shrink? I'm not crazy." "People will think I'm weak." "What will my family and friends think?"	You are looking for help so you will feel better. It takes strength and courage to seek help from others. You may not need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. Your family doctor or a counselor may be able to help you. Mental health problems are real and can affect your physical health. They are not character flaws. They are often caused by chemicals in the brain or by heredity. You can get better with the right kind of treatment. Treatment includes medicine, counseling, self-care, or a combination of these. The kind of treatment you have will depend on how severe your symptoms are.
"It might hurt my career."	You may think that it will hurt your career if people at your workplace know that you are depressed. But depression may make it hard for you to perform your job well. Treatment can help you perform better.
"I've had counseling before and didn't like it."	Learn about treatment for depression, and find someone you feel comfortable with. If you don't connect with one doctor or counselor, try another one.
"Aren't medicines for depression addictive?" "These medicines make you crazy or uninterested in sex."	Medicines for depression are not addictive. Medicines for depression have side effects, and some affect sexual desire. If you're worried about side effects, your doctor can find medicines with fewer or different side effects or can change your dose.
"Someone might get into my medical records and see this."	Doctors, counselors, hospitals, and clinics take privacy seriously. They won't share your records with anyone who's not involved in your treatment. If you have questions about your privacy, ask the doctor about it when you call for an appointment.
"It's hard to schedule and find time for an appointment." "I can't get there."	Look at your schedule, and find when it would be easiest for you to see a doctor. Ask for this time when you call. When you call for an appointment, explain your situation. Most doctors will try to find a time that works for both of you. Ask a friend to help you get there, or check local bus schedules.
"I've tried to talk to people. They just don't get it and don't care."	It may be hard for some people to understand depression. But other people who have been through depression can understand. Consider finding a support group of people with similar experiences.
"I can't afford it."	Many towns and cities have resources that may be able to help you. Call your local social services department or welfare office to find out. If you have insurance, check your policy. Mental health benefits often are covered through a separate company. Ask your doctor for help. He or she may be able to find free or low-cost medicine or counseling. Check Medicaid if you have a low income. Check Medicare if you are 65 or older. These programs may be able to help you. Some universities, hospitals, and other institutions may have training programs and may offer reduced fees.