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Seeking Clinical Depression Help

Suicide Hotlines, Mental Health Clinics and Support Groups

Sep 16, 2009 Michael McGrath

Clinical depression help comes in multiple forms, ranging from support groups and psychologists to mental health clinics and suicide hotlines.

Clinical depression can leave people feeling alone and helpless. As fatigue, hopelessness and other depression symptoms set in it becomes difficult to seek out much needed depression help. It may take the intervention of a concerned family member or friend to initiate the search for depression treatment.

Once the search for depression help begins there are many options available. Some solutions such as support groups, psychologists and mental health clinics provide long-term treatment options. Others, such as suicide hotlines and crisis centers, provide emergency assistance until long-term treatment is accessed.

Suicide Hotlines and Crisis Centers for Depression

Untreated depression can result in suicidal behavior. If someone attempts suicide the best course is to call 911 immediately. If a person exhibits suicidal behavior but has yet to make a suicide attempt, taking him or her to a hospital emergency room is an option.

Suicide crisis centers and hotlines provide assistance to people who fear they (or someone they know) are going to harm themselves. The U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Local suicide hotlines and crisis centers can also be found in the phone book, where they may be listed under “hotlines,” “emergency numbers,” “social services” and / or “mental health.”

Mental Health Professionals and Depression Help

Family doctors are often the first health professionals approached for depression help. While not mental health professionals, general practitioners can perform preliminary depression diagnosis tests, refer patients to psychiatrists or psychologists and are generally important sources of information concerning depression help. Drop-in mental health clinics can provide similar services, as can mental health counselors and social workers.

Psychiatry or Psychology? Different Approaches to Depression Treatment

A psychiatrist specializes in the treatment of mental health disorders with medication. He or she possesses a thorough understanding of antidepressants and other medication used in depression treatment. A psychiatrist prescribes and monitors prescription medication for depression, advises patients in medication use, and adjusts medication dosage as necessary. A psychiatrist may treat depression alone, or as part of a mental health team that may include psychologists, social workers and other mental health counselors.

While psychiatrists focus in drug therapy’s role in depression treatment, psychologists focus on talk therapy. A psychologist may help a depressed individual identify triggers and causes of depression symptoms, teach coping strategies, and help the depressed person retrain their thought processes into healthier patterns than depressive thinking. Psychologists may work with patients on a one-to-one basis, or moderate group therapy sessions, where a group of people with similar mental health issues meet to provide each other with support during the therapeutic process.

Support Group or Individual Depression Counseling?

Support groups for depression can be found both online and offline. While some support groups are informal, most are moderated by a mental health professional – usually a psychologist or mental health counselor. Group members can share their experiences with depression and work towards common goals.

A good depression support group gives its participants a sense of community and belonging: all too often depression leaves people socially withdrawn and lonely. Depression support groups, however, aren’t for everyone. People who feel uncomfortable opening up and discussing emotional issues in public may prefer the privacy offered by individual depression counseling.

Non-Professional Support for Depression

People seeking depression help may find assistance and support amongst family, friends, church leaders and community groups. The effectiveness of such support varies depending on the individuals involved. While the help and support from such groups can be invaluable, it should be remembered that depression is a medical condition. Recovering from depression is much more likely if non-professional support is used to supplement the care and attention of mental health professionals, who can offer effective and proven depression treatment.

Resources

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (Retrieved 31 August, 2009). Depression (Major Depression)

National Institute of Mental Health. (Retrieved 31 August, 2009). Depression

Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.

The copyright of the article Seeking Clinical Depression Help in General Medicine is owned by Michael McGrath. Permission to republish Seeking Clinical Depression Help in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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