Depression is so easy to hide because all the pretending that you’re fine is not as taxing as the burden you carry. It’s understandable to want to hide something when you think that no one would want to see it. But that is just your mind playing with you. People around you do want to be there for you. People want to see you, and they want to help. And if you aren’t ready to open up to someone close, heaps of services, projects, volunteers, and experienced professionals are all there, just a click away. Finding support for depression can be challenging, but it’s the bravest thing you can do, and we’re here to show you how.
Stop Waiting Until You Can Explain Everything
No one is expecting an organised explanation of what’s wrong or what feels heavy. Depression is not a group project where you have to prepare the slides beforehand. You might just know that you’re exhausted and irritable. That’s enough to start a conversation. If you aren’t good with words, write down whatever you’ve noticed about your mood and behaviour.
Waiting to be able to explain everything is a trap. A common one, at that. But there’s no reason to be in pain while you’re figuring out the whats and whys. This is what support is for, even: to help you figure things out along the way.
Pick a Professional Who Fits You
It would be best that the first person you reach out to ends up helping you the most. But the reality is that your first therapist might not be the right one for you. Just like you don’t get along with everyone, you won’t be able to tolerate some qualities of some professionals. It’s not that they’re bad at what they do; it just means you aren’t compatible.
So, in case the first one isn’t the best one, don’t give up on therapy. Here in Australia, people even change therapists because they’ve evolved and need a new perspective, or because they’re moving to a new place. No one is getting mad if you don’t pick them; you’re allowed to look for what’s best for you.
Don’t Dismiss Treatment Because It Sounds Unfamiliar
Depression is not something you treat one way. The treatments are countless, and which one will work the best depends on several factors. Psychological therapies, medication and other medical treatments can all have a place depending on your situation. If you feel like something isn’t working, ask your doctor about alternatives. You deserve a proper conversation about what comes next.
That can include asking about specialist options. You might hear about options such as TMS treatment in Sydney. If you’re headed in that direction, don’t panic. Ask what it is for, who it suits, what the evidence says, what the downsides are and what you should realistically expect.
Treat Your GP Like the Starting Desk
Make an appointment with your GP if you’ve noticed persistent changes. Your GP can help assess what’s happening, discuss treatment options and refer you to other professionals when appropriate. This is particularly useful if you aren’t sure what you need or where to go.
Go in with a few notes about how long you have felt this way. Mention anything that is causing friction in any aspect of your life. The important thing here is to be honest about alcohol or drug use, medication and other health concerns. These details can affect what support makes sense for you.
Build a Support Menu Instead of One Giant Lifeline
Try not to make one person responsible for keeping you afloat. Your support can come from several places. Each of your support contacts can do a different job. A therapist might help you understand patterns. A friend might drag you out for coffee. Your GP can look after the medical side.
Make your list before you need it. Put two or three names in your phone and add what each person is good for. It would be best to keep professional contacts somewhere easy to find as well because when the depression starts kicking you again, it can be challenging to find motivation to reach out.
Conclusion
You can win this fight. Still, if you’re having thoughts about suicide, self-harm or not wanting to be alive, don’t keep that information to yourself. Tell someone you trust and seek urgent professional help or emergency care. Your job at that point is much smaller: stay safe, get another person involved and take the next available step. Support doesn’t have to begin with a grand revelation. Sometimes it starts with one honest sentence and a decision not to deal with the whole thing alone.
