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Depressive
disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and
hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people
feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative
views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately
reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as
treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime:
- Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume
a reasonable amount of responsibility.
- Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities,
and do what you can as you can.
- Try to be with other people and to confide in someone;
it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
- Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
- Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating
in religious, social, or other activities may help.
- Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately.
- Feeling better takes time.
- It is advisable to postpone important decisions until
the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant
transition-change jobs, get married or divorced-discuss
it with others who know you well and have a more objective
view of your situation.
- People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But
they can feel a little better day-by-day.
- Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative
thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear
as your depression responds to treatment.
- Most importantly: Let your family and friends help you.
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The most important
thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him
or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This may
involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until
symptoms begin to abate (several weeks), or to seek different
treatment if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require
making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person
to the doctor.
It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person is
taking medication. The depressed person should be encouraged
to obey the doctor's orders about the use of alcoholic products
while on medication. The second most important thing is to offer
emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection,
and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation
and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings expressed, but
point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about
suicide. Report them to the depressed person's therapist. Invite
the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies, and
other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is
refused.
Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure,
such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, but
do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon.
The depressed person needs diversion and company, but too many
demands can increase feelings of failure. Do not accuse the
depressed person of faking illness or of laziness, or expect
him or her "to snap out of it." Eventually, with treatment,
most people do get better. Keep that in mind, and keep reassuring
the depressed person that, with time and help, he or she will
feel better. |
If 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.
Listed below are the types of people and places that will make
a referral to, or provide, diagnostic and treatment services.
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
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