I’m so sorry you’re in the midst of a bad depression episode, but here are some possibilities for you. I want you to know there is a future.
Here’s What You Can Do Right Now For A Bad Depression
●You can send a quick text to 741741 — the Crisis Text Line — to be connected to a volunteer staffer. There’s a more detailed explanation here: crisistextline.org/texting-in.
●If you have suicidal thoughts, then please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273-8255. Keep the number handy. More information: suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
●Don’t wait for a therapist; call your primary care doctor. Right away. Request a sick appointment — i.e., immediate — get an evaluation, learn what treatment options you have while you look for a therapist.
●Your regular doctor may also be able to get past barriers to your seeing a therapist. I’ve experienced it myself: I call specialists, and they’re scheduling six months out; my doctor’s office calls for me, and I’m in next week. It’s not true every time, but enough to make it worth trying.
●If you had a doctor before, and you haven’t called your out-of-state “original doctor,” then do so. Some practitioners will do video consultations with prior patients.
●If this is all too daunting — health care is a lot to manage even for people who aren’t depressed — PICK ONE contact and try it now: your primary care physician if you have one, the crisis text line if you don’t.
There Is A Future
Finally, and SO important, don’t let yourself forget that depression responds to treatment and you have managed yours successfully in the past. Do not treat it as permanent a crisis that is temporary. It is a symptom of depression to believe it won’t go away.
Take care, and trust yourself to get through this. Some days it’s hard to get out of bed, much less make a phone call. But again, it is so important that you recognize this is not forever! I know it may feel terrible for today, or two weeks, or three months, but even three months is nothing compared to cutting out the rest of your precious life. It will become precious again. There is a future, even if it looks murky to you today. I want you to be here to see it. Call me if you want to talk or email me here.
Reference: Above list of ideas from Carolyn Hax’s discussion in the Washington Post on 10/21/19.