“I think I need to talk to someone about my depression. Where should I go?”

Therapy is extremely helpful for all kinds of issues, including depression. The most important factor is finding someone that is a good fit for you. After the first session or two, you should have an intuitive sense for whether this person is the right fit. If you're feeling unsettled about them, they probably aren't and you should keep looking. Yes, reach out to friends and family too. Social support is very important and makes a big difference in combatting depression and is a positive to overall psychological health!

Therapy targeted at the depression can help. Client has to be committed to ongoing therapy in order to see results. Depression can be situational or clinical. That can be determined by a therapist. A good therapist would also recommend a medication evaluation by a psychiatrist. If the depression is clinical both therapy and medication is the highest standard of care.

Yes, psychotherapy would definitely help you. Please make an appointment with a psychiatrist for a consultation and also with a psychologist or therapist for therapy. The psychiatrist will evaluate whether you need medication, and the therapist/psychologist would teach you skills to cope with the stressors of life. Please don't suffer needlessly--it's very hard to live as you are, with such debilitating depression, and there's no need to go on like this, not when we have wonderfully effective treatments for it. Though it's fine for you to also talk to your friends and family (which is good because it reduces your sense of isolation), friends and family is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you have insurance, you can visit their website and locate mental health psychiatrists and therapists on your list who are accepting new patients. And this platform, Find A Top Doc.com is an excellent resource for locating the appropriate doctor. I wish you best of luck!

I would absolutely recommend both. You may need the support of friends and family - most people do, depressed or not. And at the same time, find a therapist, through your insurance or personal recommendation. He or she can help you assess whether psychotherapy or medication, or both would benefit you. You might also want to consult your regular physician.

Reaching out to friends and family for support is a great first step. In addition, though, you may need to meet with a mental health professional. A psychologist, for example, can provide support and understanding and help you increase coping skills or resolve underlying issues contributing to your current difficulties. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication that increases your resilience to symptoms of depression.

It’s wonderful that you know instinctively that you need help. Of course, it is great that you have friends and that you feel comfortable talking with them. But professional help is also important - if you had a broken arm, wouldn’t you go to a professional to treat it, and also take comfort and assistance from friends? A good referral person (which might be a friend!) such as a medical person, referral agency, website, professional association can give you a head start. You are looking for a psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, or psychiatrist.
Good luck!

Peace,

Marian

Yes, therapy will help. Especially if you see a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist or (CBT). Without a doubt, support from friends and family is essential, but can't replace a professional, licensed therapist.

You might need medication. Therapy is great but medication helps when you’re not with your therapist. Family and friends are fine but cannot help with true depression.

Seek out a therapist who is experienced in treating depression. He/She will know best course of action based on his/her assessment. Talking to friends and establishing a support group is helpful. Eat a healthy diet and try to aerobically exercise everyday. If your energy is low, break the activity into baby steps until you can at least do a part of the exercise.