Everyone experiences feeling sad or depression at times. How do you know when getting professional help would be a good idea? Here's a good rule of thumb: If your depressed mood lasts for more than two weeks, or is seriously interfering with your ability to function at work, with your family, and in your social life, or is causing you to contemplate or plan to commit suicide, it would be a very good idea for you to consult with a mental health professional as soon as possible, or call 9-1-1. Outpatient therapy is for persons who are not in immediate danger of suicide or in need of hospitalization. Therapy for depression includes examination of automatic thoughts that exacerbates depression--how to challenge and change depressive thinking. Therapy also includes learning coping skills, different behaviors, working on self-esteem. Problem solving can include learning communication and negotiation skills, assertiveness and relationship skills.
