These medications are usually not used indefinitely but can help people feel interested in life again and better able to cope with their problems. Provide psychotherapy to help you understand yourself and to find better ways of coping with the stress of illness. Your doctor, nurse, or social worker can refer you to an appropriate mental health professional. Sometimes they may even suggest this. It is always best to get a referral from someone you trust.
Services are always confidential.
Most hospitals have psychiatrists or other mental health professionals on staff who can be consulted by your doctor. Most psychiatrists, besides being affiliated with a hospital, will also have a private office where they see people as outpatients, as do other mental health professionals. Some insurance companies provide coverage for outpatient psychotherapy. These services are also available at your community mental-health agency, where fees may be adjusted to your income. Depression can be brought on by a change in your life situation, a serious loss, or even by bodily chemical changes.