Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Dealing with depression
Support and treatment for depression.
If you think you're suffering from depression, the first thing to do is talk to someone. The most important thing is to deal with the problem. Don’t ignore depression or hope it goes away on it’s own.
Organisations like Aware and GROW are there to help you and to listen without judging you. If you visit a doctor, they can advise on the best treatment for you, but it’s a good idea to talk to a support organisation as well.
If you are very depressed and are thinking of self-harm or suicide, you need to get help NOW. Call Samaritans on 1850 609090 or 08457 909090 from Northern Ireland and tell them you’re in danger of hurting yourself. Sometimes young people think that the Samaritans is an organisation for older people. THIS IS NOT TRUE. Samaritans are there to help everyone including people your age.
What treatment is there?
If you’re feeling depressed, there are different types of treatment available. However you need to talk to a doctor to find out what treatment is best for you.
The options are:
- Counselling helps many people recover from depression. Ask your doctor to recommend a psychologist or counsellor.
- Support groups where you can meet other people who have suffered from depression.
- Your doctor might prescribe antidepressant drugs. They may take some weeks to work and should only be used as a short-term solution.
- If you plan to stop taking antidepressants, make sure to tell your doctor. Remember that antidepressants should really only be a solution if nothing else works. If you feel that antidepressants are not for you, ask your doctor what other options are available.
- Learning to relax can help. Try exercise (a brisk 20 minute walk three times a week can really make a difference to feelings of depression), yoga or spending more time with friends.
- Complementary medicine can also help. Try acupuncture or homeopathy, but talk to your doctor first about what treatment you plan to try.
Youth voice:
“Taking anti-depressants doesn’t mean that you’re different or there’s something to be embarrassed about. But make sure to get loads of information about them and to feel comfortable with the decision to take anti-depressants”. Chris, 23
"My advice to anyone suffering would be to take each day at a time, don’t let anybody tell you what to do you have to make your own mind up and always believe in yourself. Things will get better sooner for some than for others but eventually they will”. Susan, 18
If you feel depressed or know someone who is depressed, talk to a doctor or a support organisation that can help. The doctors in your area will be listed in the Golden Pages: www.goldenpages.ie.
Support organisations:
GROW
Infoline PHONE: 1890 474474
GROW is a mental health organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems. GROW mental health groups and support services are anonymous, confidential and open to all.
Aware
Helpline PHONE: 1890 303302
Email support: www.aware.ie/emailSupport.php
Support groups nationwide: www.aware.ie/support.htm
Supports those who are directly affected by depression. Aware operates a helpline which is a form of non-directive counselling, available to sufferers and their families. Aware Support Groups operate throughout the country providing information to both patients and their families.
Samaritans
PHONE: 1850 609090
(Northern Ireland PHONE: 08457 909090)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Web: www.samaritans.org
Samaritans provide confidential, non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Shine
Helpline PHONE: 1890 621631
Dedicated to upholding the rights and addressing the needs of all those affected by enduring mental illness including, but not exclusively, schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder and bi-polar disorder.
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
