Getting Help For Depression or Helping Someone With Depression

The bottom line of everything I've said so far is this: If you, or someone you know, shows signs of depression, then by God, please, please, please, get help, or help the depressed person receive treatment for depression.

For Those Who May Be Depressed: If you think you might have depression, I want you to stop what you are doing and call your doctor or a local crisis line. Even if you are not sure, it's worth it to have a professional look into this possibility. Please do not think you cannot be helped or that you are not worthy of help. Both of these are symptoms of depression, and therefore are all the more reason to look for help. I know what it's like, and even though it's the hardest thing you've ever done, I beg you to ask for help. Your doctor or crisis worker won't think any less of you because of it. In fact, they respect patients who take the initiative and look for help, for they know that the depression itself will try to hold you back. And you may think your friends and family won't understand, but they may respect the fact that you are looking for help, nonetheless, and for some of them it may be a relief to know that what is wrong with you, can be diagnosed and treated. You owe it to yourself to get help. You are worth it. Please do it.

For Those Who Think A Friend Or Loved One Is Depressed:

You may believe that a kind word or two, from time-to-time, is all that's needed. However, if someone shows the signs of depression, and they persist, they need more help than you can provide. Do your best to cajole them into treatment. Be kind about it, but firm. Depending on how well they are functioning, you may have to make an appointment for them, and actually take them to it. Having someone go with the depressed person may help him or her feel a little better about it. And take it from me: the person did not choose to be depressed and is not--consciously--trying to inflict anything on you. If he or she has said or done something hurtful, remember that it's the illness, and not him or her. The best way to help him or her, as well as yourself, is to get him or her to treatment.

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