How Do I Ask for Help for Depression?

5 Ways to Get Support for Sad or Hopeless Feelings

Aug 5, 2009

Asking for help for depression can be difficult, but it's the best, healthiest way to survive hopeless or sad feelings! Here are five ways to get support for depression.

Clinical depression affects millions of North Americans every year; the best and healthiest way to survive is to ask for help for hopeless or sad feelings. These five ways to get support for depression will help you survive (and even thrive!).

Remember that Depression Isn’t Just About Sad Feelings

Sometimes, depression is like a constant, negative stream of self-criticism and self-loathing. People with depression can feel constantly doomed to hopelessness, disappointment, failure, and hopelessness. For a list of symptoms of depression, read Signs of Depression.

Get Information About Depression

When asking for help for depression, learn as much as you can about hopeless or sad feelings, anxiety, clinical depression, and dysthymia (mild depression). Learning about mental health – and the causes of depression – can help you overcome sad, hopeless feelings.

Talk to People Who Can Help With Depression

Some work organizations offer psychological help or counseling for employees; explore that type of support if you feel depressed. Put any feelings of embarrassment or fear of social stigma aside; more people than you realize struggle with mental health issues!

If you're a student, talk to your guidance counselor or a teacher you trust. Call a distress line, depression help hotline, suicide line – there are many different types of support for hopeless feelings.

Be Specific and Honest When Asking for Help for Depression

Be prepared to discuss the following questions: How long have you struggled with depressed, sad, or hopeless feelings? Was there a specific event that may have caused the depression? What symptoms or signs of depression are you coping with?

A counselor or psychologist may have a depression questionnaire for you to fill out. The best way to get help for depression is to be as honest and specific as possible.

Prepare Questions to Ask About Depression

Before seeking support for hopeless feelings, prepare a list of questions, such as: "What’s the best treatment for this type of depression?" "What resources can you offer for overcoming depression?" "If I take antidepressants, what are the emotional and physical side effects?" "What are some lifestyle changes I can make to help with sad feelings?" "How do I tell people about my depression – or should I keep it quiet?"

Preparing a list of questions about depression is not necessary for getting support, but it can help focus your thoughts.

Seek Online Support for Depression

Though asking for help for depression is best in-person, there are many online support organizations for depression. Visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s Depression Information page. If you’re struggling with thoughts of death or hurting yourself, visit The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Find reputable depression forums or discussions online – but don’t substitute online support when you’re struggling with hopeless feelings. The best treatment for depression is in-person, with a psychologist, counselor, or doctor.

Asking for help for depression is the first step towards feeling better – and returning to a happy, healthy life.

The copyright of the article How Do I Ask for Help for Depression? in Clinical Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish How Do I Ask for Help for Depression? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.