Florida Blue

Coping with depression; Photo of woman sitting on porch

If you suffer from true clinical depression—not just occasionally feeling blue—you can’t simply “pull yourself together” and get better. Depression makes people feel exhausted, worthless, helpless and hopeless. Negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up.

Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression. Positive thinking eventually replaces negative thinking as treatment begins to take effect.

Set realistic goals in light of the depression, and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as best as you can.
Try to be around others and confide in someone; it’s usually better than being alone and secretive.
Participate in activities that may make you feel better, such as mild exercise, going to a movie or a ball game, or participating in religious, social or other activities.
Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately.
Postpone important decisions —such as getting married or divorced—until the depression has lifted. Discuss such decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.

Take the medication as prescribed. Studies show that the medication should be taken continuously for at least three months.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or psychiatrist at least monthly during the first three months of treatment, and keep all follow-up appointments.
Let your doctor or psychiatrist know what other medications you are taking, and make sure you provide him or her with your complete medical history.
Realize that antidepressants may cause mild and usually temporary side effects. Typically these are annoying, but not serious. However, any unusual reactions or side effects or those that interfere with functioning should be reported to the doctor immediately.

With appropriate screening, education, treatment and careful monitoring, your family doctor can effectively care for you. But he or she may suggest that you could benefit from psychotherapy or a consultation with a psychiatrist. For either, you can get a recommendation through Mental Health Network (MHNet), your plan’s behavioral health contracting provider, without a referral from your family doctor.