Hearing a health care professional say you have depression can be confusing. The good news is that the emotions and behaviors you have been concerned about are actually symptoms of a treatable disorder. By getting treatment and entering recovery, people with depression can manage their symptoms, feel better, and go on to lead productive, meaningful lives. Recovery does not necessarily mean a cure. It does mean that people are actively moving toward wellness.
It is important to talk with a health care provider about treatment options and additional information. Your provider may be a child and adolescent psychiatrist, general psychiatrist, psychologist, pediatrician, social worker, or other health care provider. If you are concerned that you may have depression, it is important to seek a thorough evaluation. The evaluation includes talking about your symptoms, blood and urine tests, and perhaps other tests to ensure that there is no underlying medical condition that could be causing the symptoms. It is also important to ensure that you can tolerate medication, if recommended as part of the treatment plan.
A publication from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Download
