- Contents
- Introduction
- Q. What is depression?
- Q. How does depression affect college students?
- Q. Are there different types of depression?
- Q. What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
- Q. What causes depression?
- Q. How can I find out if I have depression?
- Q. How is depression treated?
- Q. What are antidepressants?
- Q. If a doctor prescribes an antidepressant, how long will I have to take it?
- Q. What is psychotherapy?
- Q. If I think I may have depression, where can I get help?
- Q. How can I help myself if I am depressed?
- Q. How can I help a friend who is depressed?
- Q. What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
- Q. How can research help college students who have depression?
- Citations
- For more information on depression
Q. How can I help myself if I am depressed?
A. If you have depression, you may feel exhausted, helpless, and hopeless. But it is important to realize that these feelings are part of the illness. Treatment can help you feel better.
To help yourself feel better:
- Try to see a professional as soon as possible. Research shows that getting treatment sooner rather than later can relieve symptoms quicker and reduce the length of time treatment is needed.
- Break up large tasks into small ones, and do what you can as you can. Try not to do too many things at once.
- Spend time with other people and talk to a friend or relative about your feelings.
- Do not make important decisions until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others whom you trust and who know you well.
Previous: Q. If I think I may have depression, where can I get help? Next: Q. How can I help a friend who is depressed?
Options
- View the complete publication
- Order a free hardcopy
- Download for: PDFEpubMobi
Related Information
- See all NIMH publications about:
- Browse Mental Health Topics
- About NIMH Publications
