Asking for Help: The Hardest (and Most Important) Step in Getting Treatment for Depression

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes, the “downs” keep us out of commission for longer than expected, and a simple case of the blues can turn into full-blown depression. Yes, depression is so much more than just feeling sad. For the over 16 million Americans who suffer from this mental health affliction, depression is a serious disease that can affect mood, mentality, and even behavior. Depression causes people to become isolated and withdrawn from friends and family, and leads to feelings of hopelessness and exhaustion. All of these feelings—all piled up—make asking for help daunting at best…and impossible at worst.

Here are four tips for asking for help with your depression: 

Recognize Your Feelings

It’s important to recognize that your feelings are associated with depression, and do not always reflect reality. For example, your depression may cause you to believe that no one cares about your problems, but this is not the case! There is always someone who cares. If you ever feel worthless or like your feelings don’t matter, please confide in a friend or family member, or reach out to a professional therapist.  

Know that Depression is Common

More than 16 million Americans suffer from depression. You are NOT alone in your fight! Depression is not a sign of weakness, and your willingness to ask for help is a sign of great strength. 

Speak Openly with Trusted Friends and Family

Do not be afraid to open up to friends and family about your struggle with depression. By opening up to the people you are closest to, you are making it possible for them to help you. When the people in your life know you suffer from depression, they will be able to more quickly pick up on signs that you need help or support.

Speak with A Professional

By speaking with a licensed therapist or counselor about your depression, you’ll be able to create an effective plan for overcoming your depression. This plan may include talk therapy, antidepressant medications, lifestyle and diet changes, or ketamine infusions.

Contact Ketamine Greater Boston

If you have already tried talk therapy, antidepressants, or other depression treatments, but nothing has worked, then ketamine infusions could be an effective solution for you. If you have questions, or want to learn more about how ketamine infusions alleviate depression—quickly—in up to 70% of patients, contact Ketamine Greater Boston using the brief form below.