Breaking Through Barriers aims to help ensure that people with depression suffering from emotional and physical symptoms are diagnosed and treated as effectively as possible Information for people with depression- Breaking Through Barriers aims to help ensure that people with depression suffering from emotional and physical symptoms are diagnosed and treated as effectively as possible

Seeking medical help

Undiagnosed depression can be very serious - medical research shows that the longer a depressed person goes untreated, the longer their condition can last and the lower their chances for a full recovery.1 If you have not done so already, contact a qualified medical professional as soon as possible.

As a first step, talk with your primary care physician about your options, which may include seeing a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a licensed mental health counselor or a psychiatric social worker. Many primary care physicians are comfortable treating people with depression. A psychiatrist is a physician who can prescribe medication and specializes in treating mental illnesses such as depression. A psychologist is not a physician, and so cannot prescribe medication; psychologists specialize in talk therapy. For other ways to find a qualified healthcare professional, please refer to the Resources & Links section.

Finding the right medical care is essential and can increase a person's chances of becoming well. Before making an appointment with a healthcare professional, it may be helpful to write down the questions you would like a healthcare professional to answer; bring that list with you to the appointment. For example, consider asking:

Your healthcare professional can answer any questions you may have about depression and treatment, as well as provide advice to those looking to lend a helping hand. Here are some suggestions:

References

  1. 'Depression: The Painful Truth' Survey. Conducted by Harris Interactive between February 21 and April 11, 2005. Available at: http://www.wfmh.org/PainfulTruthsurvey.htm