How to Help a Loved One

If you know someone who is depressed, it affects you too. The most important thing you can do is help your friend or relative get a diagnosis and treatment. Talk with your guidance adjustment or counselor at your school. You may need to make an appointment and go with him or her to see a doctor or therapist. Encourage your loved one to stay in treatment, or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after 6 to 8 weeks.

 There is help and there is hope!

See the following clip discussing the first step to helping your loved one that is struggling - Asking the question - "Are you ok?"

Resources for Families

• Ask your family or primary care doctor, pediatrician, or ob-gyn physician for a referral.
• Students who are in school and their families can talk to a guidance counselor.
• Contact your local community mental health center.
• —Those in a college or university can contact the student Counseling Center or Health Center.
• —Connect to a clinic or treatment facility associated with a local Medical School or graduate training program in psychology, counseling or social work.
• Contact the Department of Psychiatry at your local hospital.
• —If there is a university in your area, inquire whether they have a Depression Research Center or other mental health services.

Professional Organizations That Can Provide Information or a Referral

• American Psychiatric Association
  www.psych.org
  [email protected]

• American Psychological Association
  www.apa.org
  http://locator.apa.org/

• National Association of Social Workers
  www.naswdc.org
  www.helppro.com/nasw/BasicSearch.aspx

• U.S. Substance and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

 National Grassroots Support Organizations

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  www.afsp.org

• Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
  www.dbsalliance.org

• Anxiety Disorders of America Association
  www.adaa.org/findinghelp/treatment

• Mental Health America
  www.mha.org

• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
  www.nami.org