Getting Help For Depression

Okay, so a person thinks he might be depressed. Or the people around him believe that he's having an episode of depression. That does not mean that the prospective patient should be left alone to rot with the disorder by himself. Depression can be hard to deal with and admitting to having it can be seen as a social stigma, but there are places a person can go to get help and not be judged as “weak.” People can find themselves uncertain about how to get help, but a few hours searching through the phone book or the Internet can help someone find the options they need.

One option that a person with depression can go to would be mental health specialists. Psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers all have some form of training in handling cases of depression. Each group of professionals might offer a different approach for dealing with the disorder, and not all people would find these approaches to be effective for them. Note that out of all these professionals, only psychiatrists are allowed to prescribe medication, though the others may have recommendations on what alternative treatments might help.

Some communities have mental health centers that can offer help. These centers will sometimes focus more on group counseling than other facilities. This approach is not for everyone, but it can do wonders to improve the disposition and reduce the symptoms of those who do not respond to other forms of therapy. Some experts in the field suggest that people in these centers should also seek help from other professionals, especially if the group approach is not going well for them.

State hospitals run outpatient clinics that cater to mental health conditions as well. Privately-owned hospitals also run similar facilities and programs. For college students or those living near colleges with their own hospitals, universities and anything with a medical school would likely have some form of mental health care facility.