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 Support Partners- 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

Encourage seeking professional help

Undiagnosed depression can be very serious - medical research shows the longer a depressed person goes untreated, the longer their condition can last and the lower their chances for a full recovery. 1

One of the most important things a Support Partner can do is encourage the person with depression to seek out, and stick with, professional medical help. If he or she is already in treatment, you can encourage him or her to stay with it, and to be open with their healthcare provider about their symptoms, their progress and any setbacks. Their doctor can change the treatment plan to fit their daily lifestyle and improve quality of life. If a healthcare professional has not been contacted, remind your Partner that with the right treatment, it will be easier to get his or her life back.