When To Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services if:

• You think you cannot keep from harming yourself or someone else.
• You hear voices.
• Someone you know attempts suicide, or shows warning signs of suicide, such as talking about suicide or harming someone else, showing signs of detachment from reality (psychosis), or is using alcohol or drugs excessively.

Depression can lead to suicide. The warning signs of suicide change with age.

• Warning signs of suicide in children and teens may include preoccupation with death or suicide or a recent breakup of a relationship.
• Warning signs of suicide in adults may include alcohol or substance abuse, recent job loss, or divorce.
• Warning signs of suicide in older adults may include the recent death of a partner or diagnosis of a life-limiting illness.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your health professional observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Watchful waiting may be appropriate if you have feelings of grief, sadness, or melancholy. However, if symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, talk with a health professional.

Who To See

Treatment for depression usually involves taking medicine or getting professional counseling, or a combination of the two. It is important that you establish a long-term and comfortable relationship with your health professionals for treatment of depression.

Health professionals who can diagnose depression and prescribe medications include a:

• Family medicine physician.
• Internist.
• Psychiatrist.
• Physician assistant.
• Nurse practitioner.

Professional counseling can be provided by a:

• Psychiatrist (who can also diagnose and prescribe medications).
• Psychologist.

Other health professionals who also may be trained in counseling include:

• Social worker.
• Licensed professional counselor.
• Psychiatric nurse.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.