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Depression and Women
What is depression?
Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and
pass within a couple of days. When a woman has a depressive disorder, it interferes with
daily life and normal functioning, and causes pain for both the woman with the disorder
and those who care about her. Depression is a common but serious illness, and most who
have it need treatment to get better.
Depression affects both men and women, but more women than men are likely to be
diagnosed with depression in any given year.1 Efforts to explain this
difference are ongoing, as researchers explore certain factors (biological, social, etc.)
that are unique to women.
Many women with a depressive illness never seek treatment. But the vast majority, even
those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment.
What are the different forms of depression?
There are several forms of depressive disorders that occur in both women and men. The
most common are major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. Minor depression is also
common.
Major depressive disorder, also called major depression, is
characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work,
sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling
and prevents a person from functioning normally. An episode of major depression may occur
only once in a person's lifetime, but more often, it recurs throughout a person's life.
Dysthymic disorder, also called dysthymia, is characterized by
depressive symptoms that are long-term (e.g., two years or longer) but less severe than
those of major depression. Dysthymia may not disable a person, but it prevents one from
functioning normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or
more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes.
Minor depression may also occur. Symptoms of minor depression are similar to major
depression and dysthymia, but they are less severe and/or are usually shorter term.
Some forms of depressive disorder have slightly different characteristics than those
described above, or they may develop under unique circumstances. However, not all
scientists agree on how to characterize and define these forms of depression. They include
the following:
- Psychotic depression occurs when a severe depressive illness is
accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality; seeing, hearing,
smelling or feeling things that others can't detect (hallucinations); and having strong
beliefs that are false, such as believing you are the president (delusions).
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by a depressive
illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression
generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with light
therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone.
Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy also can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or
in combination with light therapy.2
Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is
not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood
changes from extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g., depression).
What are the basic signs and symptoms of
depression?
Women with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. In addition,
the severity and frequency of symptoms, and how long they last, will vary depending on the
individual and her particular illness. Signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious or empty feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Irritability, restlessness, anxiety
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
- Insomnia, waking up during the night, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even
with treatment
What causes depression in women?
Scientists are examining many potential causes for and contributing factors to women's
increased risk for depression. It is likely that genetic, biological, chemical, hormonal,
environmental, psychological, and social factors all intersect to contribute to
depression.
Genetics
If a woman has a family history of depression, she may be more at risk of developing
the illness. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Depression can occur in women
without family histories of depression, and women from families with a history of
depression may not develop depression themselves. Genetics research indicates that the
risk for developing depression likely involves the combination of multiple genes with
environmental or other factors.3
Chemicals and hormones
Brain chemistry appears to be a significant factor in depressive disorders. Modern
brain-imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have shown that the
brains of people suffering from depression look different than those of people without
depression. The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep,
appetite and behavior don't appear to be functioning normally. In addition, important
neurotransmitters-chemicals that brain cells use to communicate-appear to be out of
balance. But these images do not reveal WHY the depression has occurred.
Scientists are also studying the influence of female hormones, which change throughout
life. Researchers have shown that hormones directly affect the brain chemistry that
controls emotions and mood. Specific times during a woman's life are of particular
interest, including puberty; the times before menstrual periods; before, during, and just
after pregnancy (postpartum); and just prior to and during menopause (perimenopause).
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Some women may be susceptible to a severe form of premenstrual syndrome called
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women affected by PMDD typically experience
depression, anxiety, irritability and mood swings the week before menstruation, in such a
way that interferes with their normal functioning. Women with debilitating PMDD do not
necessarily have unusual hormone changes, but they do have different responses to these
changes.4 They may also have a history of other mood disorders and differences
in brain chemistry that cause them to be more sensitive to menstruation-related hormone
changes. Scientists are exploring how the cyclical rise and fall of estrogen and other
hormones may affect the brain chemistry that is associated with depressive illness.5,6,7
Postpartum depression
Women are particularly vulnerable to depression after giving birth, when hormonal and
physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming.
Many new mothers experience a brief episode of mild mood changes known as the "baby
blues," but some will suffer from postpartum depression, a much more serious
condition that requires active treatment and emotional support for the new mother. One
study found that postpartum women are at an increased risk for several mental disorders,
including depression, for several months after childbirth.8
Some studies suggest that women who experience postpartum depression often have had
prior depressive episodes. Some experience it during their pregnancies, but it often goes
undetected. Research suggests that visits to the doctor may be good opportunities for
screening for depression both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.9,10
Menopause
Hormonal changes increase during the transition between premenopause to menopause.
While some women may transition into menopause without any problems with mood, others
experience an increased risk for depression. This seems to occur even among women without
a history of depression.11,12 However, depression becomes less common for women
during the post-menopause period.13
Stress
Stressful life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship or
any stressful situation-whether welcome or unwelcome-often occur before a depressive
episode. Additional work and home responsibilities, caring for children and aging parents,
abuse, and poverty also may trigger a depressive episode. Evidence suggests that women
respond differently than men to these events, making them more prone to depression. In
fact, research indicates that women respond in such a way that prolongs their feelings of
stress more so than men, increasing the risk for depression.14 However, it is
unclear why some women faced with enormous challenges develop depression, and some with
similar challenges do not.
What illnesses often coexist with
depression in women?
Depression often coexists with other illnesses that may precede the depression, follow
it, cause it, be a consequence of it, or a combination of these. It is likely that the
interplay between depression and other illnesses differs for every person and situation.
Regardless, these other coexisting illnesses need to be diagnosed and treated.
Depression often coexists with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia
nervosa and others, especially among women. Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia and
generalized anxiety disorder, also sometimes accompany depression.15,16 Women
are more prone than men to having a coexisting anxiety disorder.17 Women
suffering from PTSD, which can result after a person endures a terrifying ordeal or event,
are especially prone to having depression.
Although more common among men than women, alcohol and substance abuse or dependence
may occur at the same time as depression.17,15 Research has indicated that
among both sexes, the coexistence of mood disorders and substance abuse is common among
the U.S. population.18
Depression also often coexists with other serious medical illnesses such as heart
disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, thyroid problems and
multiple sclerosis, and may even make symptoms of the illness worse.19 Studies
have shown that both women and men who have depression in addition to a serious medical
illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both illnesses. They also have more
difficulty adapting to their medical condition, and more medical costs than those who do
not have coexisting depression. Research has shown that treating the depression along with
the coexisting illness will help ease both conditions.20
How does depression affect adolescent girls?
Before adolescence, girls and boys experience depression at about the same frequency.13
By adolescence, however, girls become more likely to experience depression than boys.
Research points to several possible reasons for this imbalance. The biological and
hormonal changes that occur during puberty likely contribute to the sharp increase in
rates of depression among adolescent girls. In addition, research has suggested that girls
are more likely than boys to continue feeling bad after experiencing difficult situations
or events, suggesting they are more prone to depression.21 Another study found
that girls tended to doubt themselves, doubt their problem-solving abilities and view
their problems as unsolvable more so than boys. The girls with these views were more
likely to have depressive symptoms as well. Girls also tended to need a higher degree of
approval and success to feel secure than boys.22
Finally, girls may undergo more hardships, such as poverty, poor education, childhood
sexual abuse, and other traumas than boys. One study found that more than 70 percent of
depressed girls experienced a difficult or stressful life event prior to a depressive
episode, as compared with only 14 percent of boys.23
How does depression affect older women?
As with other age groups, more older women than older men experience depression, but
rates decrease among women after menopause.13 Evidence suggests that depression
in post-menopausal women generally occurs in women with prior histories of depression. In
any case, depression is NOT a normal part of aging.
The death of a spouse or loved one, moving from work into retirement, or dealing with a
chronic illness can leave women and men alike feeling sad or distressed. After a period of
adjustment, many older women can regain their emotional balance, but others do not and may
develop depression. When older women do suffer from depression, it may be overlooked
because older adults may be less willing to discuss feelings of sadness or grief, or they
may have less obvious symptoms of depression. As a result, their doctors may be less
likely to suspect or spot it.
For older adults who experience depression for the first time later in life, other
factors, such as changes in the brain or body, may be at play. For example, older adults
may suffer from restricted blood flow, a condition called ischemia. Over time, blood
vessels become less flexible. They may harden and prevent blood from flowing normally to
the body's organs, including the brain. If this occurs, an older adult with no family or
personal history of depression may develop what some doctors call "vascular
depression." Those with vascular depression also may be at risk for a coexisting
cardiovascular illness, such as heart disease or a stroke.24
How is depression diagnosed and treated?
Depressive illnesses, even the most severe cases, are highly treatable disorders. As
with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is and
the greater the likelihood that a recurrence of the depression can be prevented.
The first step to getting appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor. Certain
medications, and some medical conditions such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause
the same symptoms as depression. In addition, it is important to rule out depression that
is associated with another mental illness called bipolar disorder.
A doctor can rule out these possibilities by conducting a physical
examination, interview, and/or lab tests, depending on the medical condition. If a medical
condition and bipolar disorder can be ruled out, the physician should conduct a
psychological evaluation or refer the person to a mental health professional.
The doctor or mental health professional will conduct a complete diagnostic evaluation.
He or she should get a complete history of symptoms, including when they started, how long
they have lasted, their severity, whether they have occurred before, and if so, how they
were treated. He or she should also ask if there is a family history of depression. In
addition, he or she should ask if the person is using alcohol or drugs, and whether the
person is thinking about death or suicide.
Once diagnosed, a person with depression can be treated with a number of methods. The
most common treatment methods are medication and psychotherapy.
Medication
Antidepressants work to normalize naturally occurring brain chemicals called
neurotransmitters, notably serotonin and norepinephrine. Other antidepressants work on the
neurotransmitter dopamine. Scientists studying depression have found that these particular
chemicals are involved in regulating mood, but they are unsure of the exact ways in which
they work.
The newest and most popular types of antidepressant medications are called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and include:
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- citalopram(Celexa)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs and
include:
- venlafaxine (Effexor)
- duloxetine (Cymbalta)
SSRIs and SNRIs tend to have fewer side effects and are more popular than the older
classes of antidepressants, such as tricyclics - named for their chemical structure - and
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). However, medications affect everyone differently.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to medication. Therefore, for some people,
tricyclics or MAOIs may be the best choice.
People taking MAOIs must adhere to significant food and medicinal restrictions to avoid
potentially serious interactions. They must avoid certain foods that contain high levels
of the chemical tyramine, which is found in many cheeses, wines and pickles, and some
medications including decongestants. Most MAOIs interact with tyramine in such a way that
may cause a sharp increase in blood pressure, which may lead to a stroke. A doctor should
give a person taking an MAOI a complete list of prohibited foods, medicines and
substances.
For all classes of antidepressants, people must take regular doses for at least three
to four weeks, sometimes longer, before they are likely to experience a full effect. They
should continue taking the medication for an amount of time specified by their doctor,
even if they are feeling better, to prevent a relapse of the depression. The decision to
stop taking medication should be made by the person and her doctor together, and should be
done only under the doctor's supervision. Some medications need to be gradually stopped to
give the body time to adjust. Although they are not habit-forming or addictive, abruptly
ending an antidepressant can cause withdrawal symptoms or lead to a relapse. Some
individuals, such as those with chronic or recurrent depression, may need to stay on the
medication indefinitely.
In addition, if one medication does not work, people should be open to trying another.
Research funded by NIMH has shown that those who did not get well after taking a first
medication often fared better after they switched to a different medication or added
another medication to their existing one.25,26
Sometimes other medications, such as stimulants or antianxiety medications, are used in
conjunction with an antidepressant, especially if the person has a coexisting illness.
However, neither antianxiety medications nor stimulants are effective against depression
when taken alone, and both should be taken only under a doctor's close supervision.
Is it safe to take antidepressant medication during pregnancy?
At one time, doctors assumed that pregnancy was accompanied by a natural feeling of
well being, and that depression during pregnancy was rare, or never occurred at all.
However, recent studies have shown that women can have depression while pregnant,
especially if they have a prior history of the illness. In fact, a majority of women with
a history of depression will likely relapse during pregnancy if they stop taking their
antidepressant medication either prior to conception or early in the pregnancy, putting
both mother and baby at risk.27,12
However, antidepressant medications do pass across the placental barrier, potentially
exposing the developing fetus to the medication. Some research suggests the use of SSRIs
during pregnancy is associated with miscarriage and/or birth defects, but other studies do
not support this.28 Some studies have indicated that fetuses exposed to SSRIs
during the third trimester may be born with "withdrawal" symptoms such as
breathing problems, jitteriness, irritability, difficulty feeding, or hypoglycemia. In
2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against the use of
SSRIs in the late third trimester, suggesting that clinicians gradually taper expectant
mothers off SSRIs in the third trimester to avoid any ill effects on the baby.29
Although some studies suggest that exposure to SSRIs in pregnancy may have adverse
effects on the infant, generally they are mild and short-lived, and no deaths have been
reported. On the flip side, women who stop taking their antidepressant medication during
pregnancy increase their risk for developing depression again and may put both themselves
and their infant at risk.28,12
In light of these mixed results, women and their doctors need to consider the potential
risks and benefits to both mother and fetus of taking an antidepressant during pregnancy,
and make decisions based on individual needs and circumstances. In some cases, a woman and
her doctor may decide to taper her antidepressant dose during the last month of pregnancy
to minimize the newborn's withdrawal symptoms, and after delivery, return to a full dose
during the vulnerable postpartum period.
Is it safe to take antidepressant medication while breastfeeding?
Antidepressants are excreted in breast milk, usually in very small amounts. The amount
an infant receives is usually so small that it does not register in blood tests. Few
problems are seen among infants nursing from mothers who are taking antidepressants.
However, as with antidepressant use during pregnancy, both the risks and benefits to the
mother and infant should be taken into account when deciding whether to take an
antidepressant while breastfeeding.30
What are the side effects of antidepressants?
Antidepressants may cause mild and often temporary side effects in some people, but
usually they are not long-term. However, any unusual reactions or side effects
that interfere with normal functioning or are persistent or troublesome should be reported
to a doctor immediately.
The most common side effects associated with SSRIs and SNRIs include:
- Headache-usually temporary and will subside.
- Nausea-temporary and usually short-lived.
- Insomnia and nervousness (trouble falling asleep or waking often during the night)-may
occur during the first few weeks but often subside over time or if the dose is reduced.
- Agitation (e.g., feeling jittery).
- Sexual problems-women can experience sexual problems including reduced sex drive and
problems having and enjoying sex.
Tricyclic antidepressants also can cause side effects including:
- Dry mouth-it is helpful to drink plenty of water, chew gum, and clean teeth daily.
- Constipation-it is helpful to eat more bran cereals, prunes, fruits, and vegetables.
- Bladder problems-emptying the bladder may be difficult, and the urine stream may not be
as strong as usual.
- Sexual problems-sexual functioning may change, and side effects are similar to those
from SSRIs and SNRIs.
- Blurred vision-often passes soon and usually will not require a new corrective lenses
prescription.
- Drowsiness during the day-usually passes soon, but driving or operating heavy machinery
should be avoided while drowsiness occurs. These more sedating antidepressants are
generally taken at bedtime to help sleep and minimize daytime drowsiness.
FDA warning on antidepressants
Despite the relative safety and popularity of SSRIs and other antidepressants, some
studies have suggested that they may have unintentional effects on some people, especially
adolescents and young adults. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a
thorough review of published and unpublished controlled clinical trials of antidepressants
that involved nearly 4,400 children and adolescents. The review revealed that 4 percent of
those taking antidepressants thought about or attempted suicide (although no suicides
occurred), compared to 2 percent of those receiving placebos.
This information prompted the FDA, in 2005, to adopt a "black box" warning
label on all antidepressant medications to alert the public about the potential increased
risk of suicidal thinking or attempts in children and adolescents taking antidepressants.
In 2007, the FDA proposed that makers of all antidepressant medications extend the warning
to include young adults up through age 24. A "black box" warning is the most
serious type of warning on prescription drug labeling.
The warning emphasizes that patients of all ages taking antidepressants should be
closely monitored, especially during the initial weeks of treatment. Possible side effects
to look for are worsening depression, suicidal thinking or behavior, or any unusual
changes in behavior such as sleeplessness, agitation, or withdrawal from normal social
situations. The warning adds that families and caregivers should also be told of the need
for close monitoring and report any changes to the physician. The latest information is
available from the FDA.
Results of a comprehensive review of pediatric trials conducted between 1988 and 2006
suggested that the benefits of antidepressant medications likely outweigh their risks to
children and adolescents with major depression and anxiety disorders.28 The
study was funded in part by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Also, the FDA issued a warning that combining an SSRI or SNRI antidepressant with one
of the commonly-used "triptan" medications for migraine headache could cause a
life-threatening "serotonin syndrome," marked by agitation, hallucinations,
elevated body temperature, and rapid changes in blood pressure. Although most dramatic in
the case of the MAOIs, newer antidepressants may also be associated with potentially
dangerous interactions with other medications.
What about St. Johns wort?
The extract from the herb St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum), a bushy,
wild-growing plant with yellow flowers, has been used for centuries in many folk and
herbal remedies. Today in Europe, it is used extensively to treat mild to moderate
depression. In the United States, it is a top-selling botanical product.
To address increasing American interest in St. Johns wort, the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of
the herb in treating adults suffering from major depression. Involving 340 patients
diagnosed with major depression, the eight-week trial randomly assigned one-third of them
to a uniform dose of St. Johns wort, one-third to a commonly prescribed SSRI, and
one-third to a placebo. The trial found that St. Johns wort was no more effective
than the placebo in treating major depression.32 Another study is underway to
look at the effectiveness of St. Johns wort for treating mild or minor depression.
Other research has shown that St. Johns wort can interact unfavorably with other
drugs, including drugs used to control HIV infection. On February 10, 2000, the FDA issued
a Public Health Advisory letter stating that the herb appears to interfere with certain
drugs used to treat heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers, and organ
transplant rejection. The herb also may interfere with the effectiveness of oral
contraceptives. Because of these and other potential interactions, people should always
consult their doctors before taking any herbal supplement.
Psychotherapy
Several types of psychotherapyor "talk therapy" can help people
with depression.
Some regimens are short-term (10 to 20 weeks) and other regimens are longer-term,
depending on the needs of the individual. Two main types of
psychotherapies-cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)-have
been shown to be effective in treating depression. By teaching new ways of thinking and
behaving, CBT helps people change negative styles of thinking and behaving that may
contribute to their depression. IPT helps people understand and work through troubled
personal relationships that may cause their depression or make it worse.
For mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy may be the best treatment option.
However, for major depression or for certain people, psychotherapy may not be enough.
Studies have indicated that for adolescents, a combination of medication and psychotherapy
may be the most effective approach to treating major depression and reducing the
likelihood for recurrence.33 Similarly, a study examining depression treatment
among older adults found that patients who responded to initial treatment of medication
and IPT were less likely to have recurring depression if they continued their combination
treatment for at least two years.34
Electroconvulsive Therapy
For cases in which medication and/or psychotherapy does not help alleviate a person's
treatment-resistant depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be useful. ECT,
formerly known as "shock therapy," used to have a negative reputation. But in
recent years, it has greatly improved and can provide relief for people with severe
depression who have not been able to feel better with other treatments.
Before ECT is administered, a patient takes a muscle relaxant and is put under brief
anesthesia. She does not consciously feel the electrical impulse that is administered. A
person typically will undergo ECT several times a week, and often will need to take an
antidepressant or mood stabilizing medication to supplement the ECT treatments and prevent
relapse. Although some people will need only a few courses of ECT, others may need
maintenance ECT, usually once a week at first, then gradually decreasing to monthly
treatments for up to one year.
ECT may cause some short-term side effects, including confusion, disorientation and
memory loss. But these side effects typically clear shortly after treatment. Research has
indicated that after one year of ECT treatments, patients showed no adverse cognitive
effects.35 A person should weigh the potential risks and benefits of ECT and
discuss them with her doctor before deciding to undergo ECT treatment.
What efforts are underway to improve treatment?
Researchers are looking for ways to better understand, diagnose and treat depression
among all groups of people. New possible treatments, such as faster-acting
antidepressants, are being tested that give hope to those who live with difficult-to-treat
depression. Researchers are studying the risk factors for depression and how it affects
the brain. NIMH continues to fund cutting-edge research into this debilitating disorder.
How can I help a friend or relative who is
depressed?
If you know someone who has depression, the first and most important thing you can do
is to help her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make an
appointment on her behalf and go with her to see the doctor. Encourage her to stay in
treatment, or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after six to eight
weeks.
In addition, you can also:
- Offer emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement.
- Engage her in conversation, and listen carefully.
- Never disparage feelings she expresses, but point out realities and offer hope.
- Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your friend's or relative's
therapist or doctor.
- Invite your friend or relative out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying
if she declines, but don't push her to take on too much too soon. Although diversions and
company are needed, too many demands may increase feelings of failure.
- Remind her that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.
How can I help myself if I am depressed?
You may feel exhausted, helpless and hopeless. It may be extremely difficult to take
any action to help yourself. But it is important to realize that these feelings are part
of the depression and do not reflect actual circumstances. As you recognize your
depression and begin treatment, negative thinking will fade. In the meantime:
- Engage in mild activity or exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or another event or
activity that you once enjoyed. Participate in religious, social or other activities.
- Set realistic goals for yourself.
- Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you
can.
- Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not
to isolate yourself, and let others help you.
- Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly
"snap out of" your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and
appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts.
- Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs,
until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more
objective view of your situation.
- Be confident that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression
responds to treatment.
Where can I go for help?
If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor. Others who can help
are:
- Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or
mental health counselors.
- Health maintenance organizations (HMOs).
- Community mental health centers.
- Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics.
- Mental health programs at universities or medical schools.
- State hospital outpatient clinics.
- Family services, social agencies or clergy.
- Peer support groups.
- Private clinics and facilities.
- Employee assistance programs.
- Local medical and/or psychiatric societies.
You can also check the phone book under "mental health," "health,"
"social services," "hotlines," or "physicians" for phone
numbers and addresses. An emergency room doctor also can provide temporary help and can
tell you where and how to get further help.
What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide. If you are thinking about harming
yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help immediately.
- Call your doctor.
- Call 911 for emergency services.
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to be connected to a trained
counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.
National Institute of Mental Health
Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch
6001 Executive Boulevard
Room 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
Phone: 301-443-4513 or
1-866-615-NIMH (6464) toll-free
TTY: 301-443-8431
TTY: 866-415-8051
FAX: 301-443-4279
E-mail: nimhinfo@nih.gov
Web site: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
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