John Fetterman has depression. If you’re struggling too, here’s how to get help

When a U.S. senator discloses a struggle with depression, as Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman did, it’s front-page news. But many people struggle alone.

Depression is serious, common, and treatable. For many, depression is episodic, and even though it is hard to imagine while in the thick of it — it does often get better.

The best course of treatment varies by person, and even may mean different approaches for the same person at different times. Fetterman has struggled with depression for a long time, his office said Thursday. After his disorder became more “severe” in recent weeks, his medical team considered hospitalization the appropriate care plan. The newly sworn-in senator checked in at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Wednesday.

» READ MORE: Sen. John Fetterman has been hospitalized with depression. Here is what to know about the common but serious disorder.

Discourse about mental health emphasizes the importance of asking for help. But finding help can be difficult.

“Resources, man, it’s always about getting people resources,” said Kelly Gilrain, the chief psychologist at Cooper University Health Care. ”How do you find the help you need? There’s just not enough therapists out there.”

The Inquirer compiled resources for people seeking mental health services.

Beyond mere sadness, the disorder impairs people’s ability to complete everyday tasks. Common symptoms include loss of interest, increased fatigue, feeling worthless, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm. Symptoms need to last for two weeks to fit the diagnostic criteria of a major depressive episode.

Depression can be isolating, and making sure that people who are struggling have someone to confide in is important, Gilrain said. These types of close relationships can be “very protective in terms of low mood and anxiety symptoms.”

» READ MORE: How to prepare for your meeting with a therapist

The mere act of being present with someone who is struggling and not being judgmental can help. Assisting in the search for resources is another way to offer support.

As a general rule, try not to say “it’s not that bad” or “it could be worse.” Instead, be empathetic and offer help.

That is the million-dollar question, and there is no one-stop shop.

The first step: Figuring out what you are looking for. Only psychiatrists prescribe medication. There are many specialties in therapy — for instance, therapists who specialize in working with couples or who primarily see people for anxiety. It is also important to find a therapist you feel comfortable with and who has experience with your situation. These are all good questions to ask when you reach out to a provider.

» READ MORE: Tips from three Philly-area mental health providers about making sure your therapist is the best match

There are websites to help connect therapists and patients. Those include:

» READ MORE: How to find LGBTQ-friendly mental health support in Philadelphia

A growing number of therapy apps, such as BetterHelp and Talkspace, also facilitate therapy in a virtual setting.

Another option: Talk to your primary care provider, who may have recommendations and can prescribe antidepressants if appropriate.

Or, check whether your company has an employee assistance program. These programs usually offer short-term counseling.

It depends.

Medicaid, Medicare, and most private health plans are required to cover mental health services, but benefits and out-of-pocket costs may vary. Many providers accept insurance, but others don’t.

If you don’t have insurance, you may want to look for a therapist who charges on a sliding scale based on ability to pay, or a clinic that offers free or low-cost services (though these resources are often in short supply).

Clinics in universities that train psychologists are an option for affordable care. For example, the La Salle University Training Clinic provides therapy by clinical psychology doctoral-program students.

People suffering from depression could need immediate support in a moment of crisis. There are specialty lines open 24/7 to respond in those moments.

Last summer, the U.S. launched a national three-digit crisis and suicide lifeline called 988. Anyone can dial or text 988 from any phone to speak to a mental health specialist.

» READ MORE: What to know about 988, a new national mental health hotline

The majority of calls to crisis lines are resolved by talking on the phone. But some crisis lines can dispatch mobile crisis units for hands-on support.

“When you get on the line with someone who is trained as a professional counselor, they are able to help instill hope,” Dale Adair, medical director for Mental Health/Substance Abuse Service at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, told The Inquirer last summer. “The person taking the call is able to help the person develop a safety plan.”

You can also directly reach your county’s crisis line by calling:

» READ MORE: When mental health crises require more than a phone conversation, these mobile units come to help