“Will a psychiatrist help me with my depression?”

Dear Asker,
I am not your doctor and the following is not medical advice. A professional mental health provider such as a psychiatrist or psychologist would be the appropriate person to see for an evaluation for depression. If you are having suicidal thoughts, getting an evaluation as soon as possible would be important, including consideration of utilizing a local emergency room for immediate care to prevent self-harm. There are crisis / suicide hotlines readily available that can be found online, including a national hotline (tel:1-800-273-8255). There are effective treatments for depression that can help those struggling to feel better. Best of luck.

Absolutely and you should definitely make an appointment to see one

Yes! Depression is very treatable and suicidal thoughts can be part of your symptoms. Please get help.

yes

Yes, absolutely, a psychiatrist can help you with depression. If you are starting to feel suicidal -- PLEASE  GET IN QUICKLY. That is a bad sign. Both therapy & medication(s) can/should help you. In fact, all studies have shown, for years now, that both therapy (talking to someone, a professional, you have a good, caring relationship with) & medication work best for depression.

This has been extensively studied and is considered the "standard of care." In other words, find a therapist, which can be the psychiatrist, or an LMFT, LCSW, PH.D, or any psychologist who is thoroughly trained. If you go to a non-psychiatrist, the therapist will recommend a psychiatrist right away if she or he thinks that it's important (given your description, that is). If you are not eager to take medication, then start ASAP with a therapist, as soon as you can get an appointment. Don't be shy about telling your loved ones you feel depressed &/or suicidal. They need to know & can provide you with support. They might even help you out by helping you find a psychiatrist &/or a therapist to go to. Start with your heath insurance co. Call them up & ask for names of both therapists, as I mentioned above, and psychiatrists. Then, go in & see someone, SOON! DON'T WAIT. Depression does not just go away on its own. You need treatment (help). There is no stigma in getting treatment; in fact, it is just the opposite. You are taking care of yourself & you are seeking care for a medical condition. You would do exactly the same if you broke your leg or had diabetes, right?

Best wishes,

Laura J. Seed, M.D.

Yes. Psychiatrists deal with people who struggle with depression on a daily basis. They are the most knowledgeable in treating this condition out of all medical specialists. If you have active thoughts of suicide, you need to go to emergency. There, the hospital would provide psychiatric care for you and keep you safe.

Absolutely! Suicide can often be prevented with appropriate treatment, which may include medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle modification, and making changes and situations in a person's life. The news just reported that suicide is at a 50-year high in the United States.

When a person is depressed, they often feel hopeless and do not recognize that they may feel better in the future. Psychiatrists can realistically instill hope. Things you should do immediately or removing guns from the home, any old medication that may intentionally or inadvertently be saved up, limit or stop alcohol use, and let a trusted family member or friend know how you were feeling in that you could use their support.

Nearly everybody gets better with treatment for depression, although it may not be the first medicine that works, so hang in there!

David Nover

If your symptoms are worsening, it is definitely important to address them. The psychiatrist can certainly help since they assess the severity of symptoms and discuss medications that will be helpful to improve your symptoms. Individual therapy with a counselor or psychologist will also be important as well. But if your suicidal thoughts are frequent and accompanied by intent and/or plan, please don't wait to see someone, just go immediately to the nearest emergency room. You can also call the suicide hotline number 1-800-273-8255 to get more help. Try to add to your thoughts "suicide is never an option."

Yes

Depression with suicidal thoughts is considered a psychiatric emergency. Prompt psychiatric treatment is a must. Go to your nearest emergency department and they will guide you through the process of getting immediate psychiatric help.
Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD

Yes. A combination of medication and talk therapy can frequently cure a depression.