Getting Help
The first step is to accept that you or your family member needs help. You may not be comfortable with the subject of mental illness or you might feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness. You might be like many people, who believe that a depressed person can quickly “snap out of it” or that some people are too old to be helped. They are wrong.
If you are the relative or friend of a depressed person who won’t go to a doctor for treatment, try explaining that treatment may help the person feel better. In some cases, when a depressed person can’t or won’t go to the doctor’s office, the doctor or mental health specialist can start by making a phone call. A phone call can’t take the place of the personal contact needed for a complete medical checkup, but it might inspire the person to go for treatment.
A health care provider can help you. Once you decide to get medical advice, start with your family doctor. Your doctor should check to see if the depression could be caused by a health problem (such as hypothyroidism or vitamin B12 deficiency) or a medication. After a complete exam, the doctor may suggest talking to a mental health worker, for example, a social worker, mental health counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
Don’t avoid getting help because you may be afraid of how much treatments might cost. Often, only short-term psychotherapy (talk therapy) is needed. Treatment for depression is usually covered by private insurance and Medicare. Also, some community mental health centers may offer treatment based on a person’s ability to pay.
Be aware that some family doctors may not understand about depression. If your doctor is unable or unwilling to help, consider talking to another health care provider.
References & Resources:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-easy-to-read/index.shtml
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-listing.shtml