How can I get the support I need to manage depression?
Key Resources
- National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Recovery, Inc., 312-337-5661
- National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (NDMDA), 1-800-82-NDMDA (1-800-826-3632)
Depression isn't something you have to face alone. Having caring people around you is something that's important for everyone. When you suffer from a mood disorder such as depression, it's even more important.
What a Support Team Can DoA support team of friends and family members can:
- share your problems and experiences
- listen without judging or criticizing
- offer practical help and support
- share information about depression and treatment for depression
- provide opportunities for fun activities and social interaction
- help you get the care you need when you can't help yourself
Take these actions to make your personal support network work for you.
- Ask several close friends or family members if they'd be willing to become members of your support network.
- Choose enough people so that you don't have to rely on anyone too much.
- Let your supporters know that you don't expect them to be available all of the time.
- Set up regular times for contact. Even if you don't see one another in person, connect regularly by phone or e-mail.
- Tell your supporters that there will be times when you just need them to listen and other times when you'll ask for feedback and advice.
- Spend quality time together and share activities you both enjoy. Take walks, see movies, play music together, share meals. Make your time together enjoyable.
- Make the arrangement mutually beneficial. Be willing to listen and give support too.
- Educate your supporters about your condition. Let them know who your healthcare providers are and how to contact them.
- Create a support phone list and share it with all the members of your group.