Call 911, a suicide hotline, or get safely to a nearby emergency room if you have thoughts of suicide, a suicidal plan, or thoughts of harming yourself or others.

Call your doctor right away if:

• You hear voices that are not there.
• You have frequent crying spells with little or no provocation.
• You have had feelings of depression that disrupt work, school, or family life for longer than 2 weeks.
• You have 3 or more depressive symptoms.
• You think that one of your current medications may be making you feel depressed. DO NOT change or stop any medications without consulting your doctor.
• You believe that you should cut back on drinking, a family member or friend has asked you to cut back, you feel guilty about the amount of alcohol you drink, or you drink alcohol first thing in the morning.

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A complete history, a psychiatric interview and a physical examination will be performed to try to classify your depression as mild, moderate, or severe and to see if there is an underlying, treatable cause (such as alcohol abuse or an underactive thyroid). Hospitalization is usually recommended if suicide seems possible.

Expect some exploration of the issues and events associated with your feelings of depression. Your doctor will ask you about:

• Your depressive moods and other associated symptoms (sleep, appetite, concentration, energy).
• Possible stressors in your life, and support systems in place.
• Whether thoughts about ending your life have ever crossed your mind.
• Drug and alcohol use, and about the medications you are currently taking, if any.