How to Seek Medical Help for Depression

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, depression affects approximately 15 million adults a year. Some people respond well to therapy, as well as other treatments such as dietary changes and exercise. Sometimes these measures aren't sufficient, and medical help is needed. Depression can respond very well to medical intervention, and there are many resources to help you find the treatment you need.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your family doctor. Your family doctor can either assess you for depression and prescribe appropriate medication or refer you to a local psychiatrist who can. Your family doctor should also rule out any diseases that include depression as a symptom, such as Hepatitis C (HCV). If you are referred to a psychiatrist, make sure that your family doctor is included in your treatment plan for depression, as she will be able to advise other health providers of medical conditions that you have and medication that you take.

• 2

  Contact your local health clinic. This is a good option if you don't have a family doctor or do not have health insurance. Many health clinics provide medical help for depression, and if they don't, they can refer you to a community resource that does. Most community health clinics operate on a sliding scale basis and are generally affordable. Some community health clinics also provide medication for depression for free or at a reduced price.

• 3

  Ask a friend or family member to be your advocate while you seek medical treatment for depression. Sometimes getting a timely doctor's appointment can be difficult, and researching different treatment options can become overwhelming. Someone who is able to help can make a big difference in getting you the treatment that you need.

• 4

  Investigate inpatient programs in your state if your depression is too severe for you to function. You can find a comprehensive list of mental health agencies in your state by clicking on the link in the resource section. Getting into an inpatient program typically requires a referral by a doctor. Some inpatient programs only accept patients with insurance, while others accept people without the ability to pay.

• 5

  Go to the emergency room if you are thinking of harming yourself. Depression can be a medical emergency and should be treated as such.