A primary care provider is a good place to start if you’re looking for help. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help you figure out next steps. Find tips for talking with a health care provider about your mental health.
You can learn more about getting help on the NIMH website. You can also learn about finding support and locating mental health services in your area on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.
Once you enter treatment, you should gradually start to feel better. Here are some other things you can do outside of treatment that may help you or a loved one feel better:
- Try to get physical activity. Just 30 minutes a day of walking can boost your mood.
- Try to maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time.
- Eat regular, healthy meals.
- Break up large tasks into small ones; do what you can as you can. Decide what must get done and what can wait.
- Try to connect with people. Talk with people you trust about how you are feeling.
- Delay making important decisions, such as getting married or divorced, or changing jobs until you feel better. Discuss decisions with people who know you well.
- Avoid using alcohol, nicotine, or drugs, including medications not prescribed for you.
Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression