First: Depression is a treatable and reversible condition, even when several therapies or medications have failed. And, whatever you may have heard about ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), do not exclude this as a treatment option!

Second: In all my years of treating depressed patients and working with their families, I have never seen a single instance in which the family truly felt they would be better off without their depressed family member. That's right, not once.

Third: You are not alone. There are many organizations such as NDMDA and NAMI that can help. Also keep in mind that the Samaritans provide 24-hour anonymous telephone counseling for suicidal individuals (ask your telephone operator for the number).

If you feel you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services through your telephone operator or 911. (See the full information.)