Talk it out.  Sometimes the world is an easier place to deal with if you have a person to trust.  If you are feeling suicidal, or even just a little bummed out, don’t keep it bottled up.  That’s how things escalate.  If a friend seems to be suicidal or just blue, offer a shoulder for him to cry on.  But if you think the problem is much more than something a heart-to-heart can fix, find a professional who can help. 

Therapy.  Consulting a professional can be very helpful to a person who is depressed. There are several types of therapy that are used in the treatment of depression. One is psychotherapy, or “talk therapy.” One type of psychotherapy is cognitive therapy, where the patient is led by a psychologist or psychiatrist to confront her fears and learns how to think rationally. Another type of talk therapy is interpersonal therapy. A person suffering from depression is often socially disconnected from loved ones. This therapy aims to improve social skills and establish a mutual sense of trust and understanding. There are also several types of group therapies. These groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can be very helpful in that they offer communal support.

Medication.  There are several prescription drugs available that ease the pains of depression.  However, these drugs are not an automatic cure-all.  Certain drugs do not work as well for some as they do for others, and may take a while to kick in.  If you think that you might need anti-depressants, talk to your doctor. 

Try to Remember

• Life can be difficult, that is a known fact.  But problems are temporary.  Death is not. 
• Talk to someone about the way you are feeling, and be sure that your friends know that they can always talk to you.  
• Friends and loved ones will always lend a hand if you ask for it.