Depression Treatment

Find out if what you are experiencing may be depression. Depression is treatable. Learn about seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one.

How Do I Know if I Am Experiencing Depression?

The following questions may help you determine if you are experiencing depression.

During the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the problems listed below?

Little interest or pleasure in doing things?
Not at all.
Several days.
More than half the days.
Nearly every day.

Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
Not at all.
Several days.
More than half the days.
Nearly every day.

If you answered “more than half the days” or “nearly every day” to either question, you may be depressed and should seek help from your health care provider. Your provider can help figure out whether you have depression, and he or she can help find the best treatment for you. Depression can be treated with counseling, medications, or both.

Talking to Your Health Care Provider

If you think you may be depressed, the first step to seeking treatment is to talk to your health care provider. Remember that depression is not your fault. By asking for support, you are helping yourself and your family. Use our checklist [PDF-19KB] to help you and your provider talk about your experiences.

Ways to begin the conversation include
“I read this information, and it sounds like how I feel. Can you help me find out if I have depression?”
“I don’t feel like myself. Could it be depression?”

In response, your health care provider should

• Carefully review your completed checklist.
• Ask several more questions about how you are feeling and acting.
• Talk with you about treatment options.
• Provide the name and number of a mental health specialist for you to visit. You can also visit CDC’s Resources to find help in your area.

After your visit, make sure to follow-up on all referrals and treatment that he or she suggests.

Medications

When discussing medications with your provider, let him or her know if you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. You and your provider can decide if taking medications while pregnant or breastfeeding is right for you. Visit Medications and Pregnancy for more information.