What Do These Students Have In Common?
worse because I had 'failed' again. When a friend suggested I talk to his counselor, I resisted at first. In my mind, professional help was for weak, messed up people. But then, I hit a bottom so low that I was willing to try anything. - John
I decided to try treatment when my friends got fed up with me. They didn't want to talk about my problems any more, but my problems were the major focus of my life. I needed someone who could help me understand what was happening to me. I'd seen ads for the counseling center and decided to give it a try. - Kim
When I began considering suicide, I knew I needed serious help. My resident advisor helped me call a local hotline where I got some good referrals. It was just a phone call, but it was the starting point that got me to the professional help I needed. - Leah
Help Yourself: Be an Informed Consumer Don't give in to negative thinking. Depression can make you feel exhausted, worthless, helpless and hopeless, making some people want to give up. Remember, these negative views are part of the depression, and will fade as treatment takes effect.
Take an active role in getting better. Make the most of the help available by being actively involved in your treatment and by working with a qualified therapist or doctor. Once in treatment, don't hesitate to ask questions in order to understand your illness and the way treatment works. And, if you don't start feeling better in a few weeks, speak with the professional you are seeing about new approaches.
Be good to yourself while you're getting well. Along with professional help, there are some other simple things you can do to help yourself get better, for example: participating in a support group, spending time with other people, or taking part in activities, exercise, or hobbies. Just don't overdo it and don't set big goals for yourself. The health care professional you are seeing may suggest useful books to read and other self-help strategies.
Helping a Depressed Friend The best thing you can do for a depressed friend is to help him or her get treatment. This may involve encouraging the person to seek professional help or to stay in treatment once it is begun. The next best thing is to offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation
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