The Path to Healing: Overcoming Depression

Last Updated: Dec. 1, 2003

• Reaping the benefits of treatment begins by recognizing the signs of depression.
• The next step is to be evaluated by a qualified professional. Although depression can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians, often the physician will refer the patient to a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, or other mental health professional.
• Choose a treatment professional and a treatment approach with which you feel comfortable.
• Consider yourself a partner in treatment and be an informed consumer.
• If you are not comfortable or satisfied after two to three months, discuss this with your provider. Different or additional treatment may be recommended. Getting a second opinion from another health or mental health professional may also be in order.
• If you experience a recurrence, remember what you know about coping with depression and don’t shy away from seeking help again. In fact, the sooner a recurrence is treated, the shorter its duration will be.

What you may be feeling
Depressive illnesses make you feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such feelings make some people want to give up. It is important to realize that these negative feelings are part of the depression and will fade as treatment begins to take effect.

Along with professional treatment, there are other things you can do to help yourself get better. Some people find participating in support groups very helpful. It may also help to spend some time with other people and to participate in activities that make you feel better, such as mild exercise or yoga. Just don’t expect too much from yourself right away. Feeling better takes time.

• Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
• 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 you can.
• Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
• Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time. Often during treatment of depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before depressed mood lifts.
• It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition – change jobs, get married or divorced – discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
• People rarely “snap out of” a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.
• Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
• Let your family and friends help you.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

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