What Do These Students Have In Common?
If someone you know has thoughts about suicide, the best thing to do is help him or her get professional help.
"I'm back from the edge," Darrel continued. "Now that I've gotten some treatment, I know how to keep from being out there again."
Depression and Alcohol and Other Drugs A lot of depressed people, especially teenagers, also have problems with alcohol or other drugs. (Alcohol is a drug, too.) Sometimes the depression comes first and people try drugs as a way to escape it. (In the long run, drugs or alcohol just make things worse!) Other times, the alcohol or other drug use comes first, and depression is caused by:
the drug itself, or withdrawal from it, or the problems that substance use causes. And sometimes you can't tell which came first... the important point is that when you have both of these problems, the sooner you get treatment, the better.
Getting Help - Treatment Works If you think you might be depressed, discuss this with a qualified health care or mental health professional who can evaluate your concerns. Bring along an understanding friend for support if you are hesitant or anxious about the appointment.
Several effective treatments for depression are available and can provide relief from symptoms in just a few weeks. The most commonly used treatments are psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of the two. Which is the best treatment for an individual depends on the nature and severity of the depression.
Sharing your preferences and concerns with your treatment provider helps determine the course of treatment. Certain types of psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, can help resolve the psychological or interpersonal problems that contribute to, or result from, the illness. Antidepressant medications relieve the physical and mood symptoms of depression and are not habit-forming. In severe depression, medication is usually required.
Individuals respond differently to treatment. If you don't start feeling better after several weeks, talk to the professional you are seeing about trying other treatments or getting a second opinion.
Making a Decision Don't let fear of what others might say or think stop you from doing what's best for you. Parents and friends may understand more than you think they might, and they certainly want you to feel better.
Taking the First Step I knew I was depressed but thought I could pull out of it by myself. Unfortunately, friends reinforced this attitude by telling me to just toughen up. When that didn't work, I felt even worse
Latest Articles