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| 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 divorced—until the depression has lifted. Discuss such decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
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 recommendations,
talk to your doctor,
or consult your benefits
booklet to learn how you
can find such services.
*Source: NIH Publication No. 00-3561
www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm
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