Depression: Helping someone get treatment
Why is it important to see a professional about signs of depression?
Many people think that depression is not serious and that they can get over it on their own. But depression is a disease and is hard to get over. If someone you care for has symptoms of depression, it's important for the person to see a doctor, because:
- The doctor can diagnosis depression or other problems. Getting a correct diagnosis is the first step in treating depression.
- Most people cannot get over depression on their own. Without treatment, depression probably will continue.
- Most people get better with treatment.
- After someone has had an episode of depression, he or she is more likely to have another episode. Without treatment, depression is more likely to come back, and it may be more severe.
If you think that someone you know is depressed, the best thing you can do is to get the person to see a doctor. The sooner someone with depression gets treatment, the sooner he or she will feel better.
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| Author: | Jeannette Curtis Paul Lehnert | Last Updated: December 21, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Catherine D. Serio, PhD - Behavioral Health Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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