How do I know if I need professional help for depression?

How do I know if I need professional help for depression?

Everyone gets discouraged or depressed now and then, so how do you know when your depressive symptoms have reached a point when professional help would be a good idea?

Here’s a good rule of thumb:

Probably – If your depressed mood lasts more than two weeks, or is seriously interfering with your ability to function at work, with your family, your social life, or you are contemplating suicide, it would be a very good idea for you to consult with a mental health professional as soon as possible and make an appointment.

Definitely – If you are feeling acutely suicidal, there is no time to waste with appointments.  Take yourself immediately to your local hospital emergency room and tell them that you are feeling suicidal, or call the suicide prevention lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or simply call 911.

How do I know where to go?

Listed below are examples of the types of professionals and institutions who can offer help for depression. The professions and institutions listed towards the top of this list are those who will be able to help you directly, while those listed near the bottom of the list will be able to provide you with appropriate referrals to other mental health professionals.

• Mental health specialists, including:
  • Psychiatrists
  • Clinical Psychologists
  • Social Workers
  • Licensed mental health counselors
• Your family doctor
• Your employer provided Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• Nearby university or medical school-affiliated mental health clinics
• Your local hospital
• Community mental health centers
• Clergy
• Your Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) or Health Insurance company
• The Recovery Village is a free medically reviewed web resource that provides information about addiction, eating disorders, and mental health issues.  They have a 24/7 depression helpline.  The Recovery Village has representatives who can share information on diagnosis and treatment options.

What causes depression?

Depression is complicated, but some practitioners classify depression into two broad types:

• Endogenous (or chemical) depression which is thought to reflect some kind of “chemical imbalance” in the brain.
• Exogenous (or external) depression which is thought to arise from an external cause like a traumatic life experience, or stress.

Basically that means depression can stem from internal physiological imbalances or external environmental sources (i.e. stress, worry, discouragement, etc.) or a combination of those.  Some physicians believe that depression arises from a belief that we’re powerless to solve our problems, therefore the single most effective means to resolve feelings of depression is to find a way to tap into our own immense power to solve problems.

It’s helpful to seek a professional who helps you determine the root cause of depressive symptoms.  Treatment that addresses root causes is more likely to be successful long term than treatment that merely addresses symptoms.

What about anti depressants?

Anti-depressant medication plays a critical role in the treatment of depression.  In the right patient, anti-depressants reduce the symptoms of suffering exceptionally well and can be literally life-saving.

It is important to understand that anti-depressants only treat the symptoms of depression, therefore they can’t actually make anyone happy.  Happiness isn’t merely the absence of suffering.  Many experts feel that the best approach is to treat the symptoms of depression with anti-depressants at the same time as addressing the underlying cause of the depression itself.

Is there anything I can do to help myself overcome feelings of depression?

Many experts agree that self help is a valuable resource to combating depression in conjunction with professional care.  Some physicians believe that depression arises from a belief that we’re powerless to solve our problems, therefore the single most effective means to resolve feelings of depression is to find a way to tap into our own immense power to solve problems.  Effective self help techniques can relieve symptoms, boost mood, and help regain confidence and a sense of control in your life.  Self help tools and techniques can help change the way we think, and MRI scans prove that changes in thinking cause significant, measurable changes in brain chemistry and functioning.

Are you ready to “choose out” of depression?

No one “chooses into” depression.  Nobody wants to enter into the world of depression and anxiety; it is thrust upon them against their will.  However, no one is able to get out of the world of depression and anxiety without choosing to do something about it.

That doesn’t mean that depression is somehow your fault, it just means that it requires effort to overcome it.  Whether that effort comes in the form of seeking professional help, consistently taking medication, following the principles and resources outlined throughout the Hope for Healing website or a combination of techniques is up to you.  What matters is that a person has a desire to heal and takes steps to accomplish that goal.

Are you ready to “choose out” of depression?  Are you ready to choose happiness? 

If so, we’d love to be a part of your healing team. Please begin today by taking advantage of the following resources.