Questions To Ask To A Depressed Person

What Am I Doing To Invest In My Health

How Can I Help a Depressed Person? – Your Questions, Honest Answers

Even if youre focused on your health, staying committed on a daily basis can feel overwhelming when youre juggling multiple things. Are you keeping up with your treatment plan? Do you need to create a treatment plan? Taking care of yourself is work and optimal health is the result of making the right lifestyle changes and working closely with your healthcare team to find a symptom management plan that works for you.

How To Know If You Are Depressed 12 Questions To Ask

Not feeling yourself lately? Worried you might have depression? And wondering how to know if you are depressed?

Depression has a wide range of symptoms. And there are evendifferent kinds of depression. So if you are seriously concerned, its of course best to see a mental health professional.

This said, there are certain questions you can ask that can give you a clearer picture over whether its depression, or something else entirely.

Don’t Tell Them To Try Harder

Avoid making comments like:

“Snap out of it!”
“Just try harder!”

Having someone tell you to try harder when you are already giving it your best effort can be demoralizing and may make a person with depression feel their situation is hopeless.

There are many reasons depression develops and a person cannot necessarily control all of the risk factors involved. Once a person has become depressed, it’s not a matter of just “talking themselves out of” a low mood.

Like diabetes or hypothyroidism, depression can happen because the body is not making enough of substances it needs to function properly. A person with diabetes cannot will their body to make more insulin.

A person experiencing depression due to low levels of neurotransmitters can’t simply “think” themselves into having more.

Similar to how people with diabetes might need treatment with insulin, people who have depression need medical intervention and support. For some people, this may mean taking medications that address chemical imbalances that can contribute to the condition.

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I’ve Heard Lots Of Warnings About Drug Interactions With Certain Depression Medicines What Are They

MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are effective antidepressant medicines that have been used for years. Typically prescribed for people with severe depression, MAOIs improve mood by increasing the number of chemicals in the brain that pass messages between brain cells. They have proven to work just as well as, if not better than, other antidepressant drugs, but they have more possible food and drug interactions.

Medicines to avoid when taking MAOIs include all SSRIs and certain pain medicines, including Demerol and tramadol. There are also some cough medicines, decongestants, and blood pressure medicines that should not be taken with MAOIs. Foods to avoid when taking MAOIs include aged cheeses and meats, pickled or smoked foods like sauerkraut or meat, and aged or fermented foods such as soy sauce or tap beer. It is important to tell your doctor about any medicines you are currently taking. Be sure to discuss the limitations, interactions, and possible side effects of MAOIs.

Youre Just Being Selfish

4 Questions To Ask Yourself When You Feel Depressed

Depression has nothing to do with being selfish or self-centered. A kind, giving person can have depression.

Depression can often be an isolating condition, with a visible symptom of withdrwal. Selfishness is putting yourself before all else withdrawal is to srhink back and therefore deny yourself before all else this is why depression intervention involves support.

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Ask The Expert: Questions About Dealing With Depression

Jed Magen, associate professor and chair in the Department of Psychiatry, answers questions about dealing with depression.

1. If you think you’re depressed, what kind of doctor or mental health professional should you reach out to? Will they be able to get you the right therapy or medication?

A family physician is reasonably capable of treating the average depressed person with medications, usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For more complex depressions or those that reoccur, a psychiatrist is an expert in treating these kinds of disorders and can also help you find a therapist. Psychologists and social workers often do therapy for depression. It is useful to ask what kind of therapy these people provide as the ones noted above have the best evidence base for treatment of depression.

2. What should you make sure to do in order to stay healthy while feeling depressed? What are some helpful reminders you can set up for yourself or routines you should practice to take care of your health?

3. Why is social connection important for dealing with depression? How might this feel difficult for someone with depression?

4. What are some tips for how to maintain social connection and find support while depressed?

5. How can exercise and sunlight both on their own and together help you deal with depression? What has research found about physical activity and Vitamin D for improving mood?

Is There Anything You Want To Talk About

Sometimes people just need assurance that it’s OK to bring up tough subjects or topics that go a little deeper.

This can help the conversation move from superficial subjects to something a little more meaningful if the other person wants.

If they aren’t interested in talking about anything, don’t pry. Instead, let them know you’re willing to listen if they ever do want to talk.

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Do Most People With Depression Attempt To Commit Suicide

No. Most people who suffer from depression do not attempt suicide, but according to Mental Health America, 30%-70% of suicide victims have suffered from some form of depression. This figure demonstrates the importance of seeking professional treatment for yourself or someone you love if you suspect depression.

Youve Just Got To Stay Positive

â¡ How to Help a Depressed Friend â¡ Questions to Ask

This communicates a deep misunderstanding of depression as a disease, and diminishes the persons experience, insinuating that the solution is a simple reframe. Depression is a deeply complex disease that affects not only thinking patterns and emotions, but the actual chemical makeup and structure of the brain.

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You Cant Just Snap Out Of Depression

Well-meaning friends or family members may try to tell someone with depression to snap out of it, just be positive, or you can be happier if you just try harder. But depression is not a sign of a persons weakness or a character flaw. The truth is that most people who experience depression need treatment to get better.

If you are a friend or family member of a woman with depression, you can offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement. But never dismiss her feelings. Encourage her to talk to her health care provider, and remind her that, with time and treatment, she can feel better.

Have You Slowed Down In Ways That Other People Have Noticed

This is a symptom of depression thats not as well-known as the others. Has anyone commented to you lately that you are moving more slowly than usual? Do you have the sense that youre moving slowly, perhaps when youre eating or walking? Have people told you that you seem lethargic?

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When Is The Best Time To Check In With You Again

You don’t want to force your way into someone’s life by saying, “I’m going to call you several times a day.” Annoying them won’t encourage the person to talk.

But you can ask them when it’s OK to follow up. Let them know you’d like to check in with them. Whether they want you to call another day or in a couple of weeks, it’s OK. Just make sure to show you’re sincere by following up and doing what you say.

Can Depression Be Prevented

Healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent depression, or lessen the chances of it happening again. Regardless of whether you have mild or major depression, the following self-care steps are recommended:

Get enough sleep.
Follow a healthy, nutritious diet.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid alcohol, and other recreational drugs.
Get involved in activities that make you happy, even if you don’t feel like it.
Spend time with family and friends.
Try talking to clergy or spiritual advisors who may help give meaning to painful experiences.
Consider prayer, meditation, tai chi or biofeedback as ways to relax or draw on your inner strengths.
Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, which you can get from cold-water fish like tuna, salmon or mackerel.
Take folate in the form of a multivitamin .
Try light therapy using a special lamp that mimics the sun for seasonal affective disorder.
Get counseling during times of grief, stress or low mood. Family therapy may be particularly important for teens who feel blue.

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How To Know If You Are Depressed 9 Questions To Ask

1. How long have you been feeling low?

Is it only recently youve not felt yourself? Like in the last few weeks? And is this unusual for you, or are you constantly having ups and downs?

If youve only felt blue for a few weeks or more, it could be a bout of sadness or emotional shock.

Depression comes when weve not felt ourselves for around six weeks, or up to a lot longer.

Look at the big picture here if you tend to have ups and downs. If you have two or three weeks of feeling low each month, and its been going on for half the year, then you are really looking at a six-month period. Its time to reach out for help.

2. How interested are you in your hobbies and activities?

Crying a lot, but still making it to the gym, and happy to get out to see friends as then you feel better? You are more likely just processing some sadness.

Depression actually affects our capacity to want to do things we usually like. Everything seems too much effort to be bothered.

3. Do you know whats behind your moods?

Did you have a bad experience a few weeks ago, like a redundancy, a break up, or a presentation gone wrong? You might be suffering severe stress.

The good thing about stress, unlike depression, is that we can identify the issue and therefore take steps to fix it. We can get help with a new CV, spend time with friends, or take a course in public speaking.

Note that stress can, however, become depression if we dont deal with the stressor. So do seek support to make a plan forward.

How Is Depression Diagnosed

Because some medicines and medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as depression, the first step in diagnosis is a complete medical history and a thorough physical examination. The exam may include an interview and laboratory tests to rule out other causes for the symptoms. If no other cause is found, people with symptoms of depression usually undergo a psychological evaluation performed by their physician or by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

During a diagnostic psychological examination, the doctor asks a series of questions, including:

What are your symptoms?
How long have you had these symptoms?
How severe are the symptoms?
Have you had these symptoms before?
If so, were you treated for depression?
What treatments did you have and which worked best?
Do you have any relatives who have had depression?
If so, were the relatives treated for depression, and which treatments worked best?
Do you use drugs or drink alcohol?
Have you thought about death or suicide?
Whether speech or thought patterns or memory have been affected.
Other associated symptoms .
Possible stressors in your life, and support systems in place.

If your answers to these questions indicate that you have depression, your doctor will work with you on a treatment plan.

You Can Play A Role In Research By Joining A Clinical Trial

4 Questions To Ask Yourself If You’re Depressed

Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.

In addition to volunteer research opportunities for the patient groups listed above, research opportunities for healthy volunteers are also available. Healthy volunteers play a critical role in our studies.

For more information about clinical research and how to find clinical trials being conducted around the country, visit NIMH’s clinical trials webpage.

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Assure Them They’re Not Weak Or Defective

Those who are coping with depression tend to feel weak or that there is something wrong with them. While depression is an illness, those who live with it may feel that it’s a character flaw.

Reassure your friend that depression really is an illness caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain, and it does not mean that they are weak. In fact, it takes a great deal of strength to fight back, so they are probably much stronger than they think they are.

How To Help Someone With Depression

Dr. Dowd encourages, If they express needing or wanting help, suggest to them setting up an appointment with their PCP. They can get referrals to a therapist or psychiatrist or maybe their PCP feels comfortable treating the depression. There are also a host of websites and national organizations that can also help inform someone about depression if they are not ready to seek help. Suggest the Anxiety and Depression Association of America or the National Alliance on Mental Illness, both well-known organizations.

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Screening for symptoms of depression associated with heart disease ...

Depression after a surgery is fairly common. Its important to remain focused on the positive, especially when facing a longer recovery period. A great way to do this is to celebrate milestones, even small ones, together. Its easy to lose sight of progress if youre only seeing the long road ahead.

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What If I Need More Help

Sometimes talking to a parent is all you need to start feeling better. Sometimes you need more help. That’s OK, too.

If you are having a sad or bad mood that lasts, let your parent know. Ask them to set up a health visit to check for depression. You might need to talk with a therapist even after you’ve had good talks with your parent. Your parent can set this up for you. And if you see a therapist, a parent’s help still matters.

Do Children Get Depression

Yes. Children are subject to the same factors that cause depression in adults. These include: A change in physical health, life events, heredity, or inheritance, environment, and chemical disturbance in the brain. It is estimated that 2.5% of children in the U.S. suffer from depression. In adolescents, it is estimated to be 4% to 8%.

Depression in children is different from the “normal” blues and everyday emotions that are typical in children of various ages. Children who are depressed experience changes in their behavior that are persistent and disruptive to their normal lifestyle, usually interfering with relationships with friends, schoolwork, special interests, and family life. It may also occur at the same time as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , obsessive-compulsive disorder , or conduct disorder .