Why Seek Professional Help?

The brain is one of the body’s major organs like the heart, lung, liver or kidney. Just as you would not tell someone to get over a heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer, so should you not tell someone to get over depression. Treat signs of depression and threats of suicide as part of a serious illness.

Changes in medications or diet, stress, lifestyle issues or previously undiagnosed medical problems can also impact on a person’s physical and behavioral well being often causing chemical imbalances and impacting on a person’s ability to cope.

A person who is depressed and may be expressing suicidal feelings often has a hard time thinking clearly or recognizing his or her own symptoms.

Symptoms including negative thinking, inappropriate behaviors or physical changes that last more than two weeks need to be assessed as soon as possible.

Depression is treatable and suicide is preventable but coordinated care among medical and behavioral health specialists is essential.

Professional treatment, coordinated between licensed medical and behavioral health care providers, may not only lessen the severity of depression but may reduce the length of time (duration) a person is depressed and may prevent additional bouts of depression.



By RI law, the insured and uninsured must be treated at RI’s acute care hospital emergency rooms. Not all patients will be admitted, but hospitals can provide guidance on follow-up care and treatment. For all children (infant -18), visit Hasbro Children’s Hospital for an emergency assessment, medical clearance and referrals to local resources.

Ask a family member or friend join you as you seek professional care.

Sometimes, when we feel down or depressed, we are unable to seek help. Ask someone you trust to join you. Consider giving your family member or friend permission to speak on your behalf to emergency, primary and behavioral health care providers. A family member of friend can help present your list of concerns, observations and all background information.



From the emergency room, contact your family doctor, pediatricians, specialists or primary care facility. Family history, medications and undiagnosed medical problems are just a few issues that can impact on a person’s physical and behavioral well- being and ability to cope. Knowledge of these changes could help in the assessment process.