Where to Get Help

Where to Get Help

One of depression’s effects is to leave its victims so exhausted and despairing that they lack the energy and will even to seek help. The depressed person frequently discourages himself or herself by assuming that the family doctor, clergyman or other source of counsel won’t know how to deal with depression. Perhaps not. But they will almost certainly be able to refer you to someone who can.

Here are some sources to approach in seeking help for depression:

• Family doctors
• Mental health specialists—psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers or mental health counselors
• Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
• Community mental health center
• Hospital psychiatry departments or outpatient clinics
• University or medical school-affiliated mental health programs
• The outpatient clinics of state hospitals
• Clergy
• Public family service or social service agencies
• Employee assistance programs
• Local medical or psychiatric societies [36]