“When is it the right time to see a doctor for depression?”
My sister is sad most of the time. When we spend time together she just doesn't seem invested and would rather stay at home. I've asked if she's depressed and she said she thinks she is but doesn't know how to fix it. How can she start to find help?
10 Answers
If she is willing to seek help, take her to a psychiatrist, start her on medication and supportive psychotherapy.
Try reaching out to local hospitals.
I would recommend utilizing what is readily available to the person including school counselors, work-related medical/mental health services and religious persons (pastors, rabbis) to begin.
Jan Fawcett
Psychiatrist
Your sister sounds depressed but I can't make a diagnosis without a chance to examine her. I would suggest that she see a psychiatrist who does psychopharmacology or cognitive psychotherapy, who is capable of making a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Based on your description of your sister, the time is right now. She should call her primary care physician for an appointment. If the PCP thinks a consultation with a psychiatrist would be better, the PCP will recommend that.
The time for a consultation is similar to that of any other general medical condition, when the symptoms become a problem in your daily life.
Dr. Koenigsberg
The time for a consultation is similar to that of any other general medical condition, when the symptoms become a problem in your daily life.
Dr. Koenigsberg
The website www.DBSAlliance.org has a lot of good information. Talk to your PCP. Ask to check thyroid function, B12, vitamin D, and anything else pertinent. You want to review the criteria for hypomania or mania because, if she has ever had those symptoms, adding an antidepressant can make that worse....can cause mania in someone who has the potential. You can also seek out a therapist. Talking therapy can be just as effective as medication.
You can also look at website https://www.psychiatry.org/.
Good luck.
You can also look at website https://www.psychiatry.org/.
Good luck.
She can start by seeing a psychotherapist/counselor/therapist or a psychiatrist. The best time to go to see someone is when it starts, that way it doesn't get worse. Of course, if there are any suicidal thoughts, she must go to her nearest ER.
Depression tends to be a chronic illness, and the more treatment is delayed, the more treatment resistant it becomes. Earlier intervention is the way to go. From the description of your question, it does seem that your sister has depression and needs to be evaluated by a professional. In my opinion, your sister should start treatment as soon as possible.
Your sister needs to be evaluated by a professional who can diagnose and treat her for depression.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Your sister can first approach her primary doctor who can assess her level of depression and may even start her on an anti-depressant. She can also be referred to a therapist at the same time. The medications will take effect in 2-3 weeks, so it may be important for her to start working with a psychotherapist in the meantime. Better outcome of treatment results from a combination of medications and psychotherapy.
