Molly asks :
Hi Lucy,
I think I have depression but don't know what to tell anyone. I don't have the courage to talk to anyone I know about it. What should I do?
Hi Molly,
Agony Aunts on Female First
There is a lot of help out there for people who feel they are suffering from depression.
The first place I would recommend is The Samaritans- they offer a free confidential listening service, around the clock. You can talk to them about anything you are feeling- they are not there to offer advice- just simply a sounding board for you if you feel you can't tell anyone else.
It may seem like a big step, however the best thing you can do is talk to someone. Perhaps begin with somewhere like The Samaritans and then pay a visit to your doctor if you feel you need some professional support, or do them both together to get the widest range of help you can. A doctor can refer you to a counsellor so you can try and figure out the root cause of your low moods.
If you have an understanding family or friend then perhaps turn to them for some support. Perhaps after speaking to the experts you might find it easier to verbalise your feelings to those closest to you.
The first step is admitting how you feel to others and seeking help, in whatever form it takes to get you back to where you need to be.
People with depression can try to help their situation by regularly exercising, eating healthier, cutting down their alcohol intake, joining a self-help group or reading a self-help book so perhaps look to some or all of these options too if you think any of them may do you some good.
NHS choices is a great tool for getting all the information you need, but the sooner you see someone the better as the faster you will be on the road to recovery. If you do this you should find out what kind of depression you may have and how to best treat it if you do.
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