Common Questions for Friends and Family

Recognizing Depression and Anxiety in Others

What is mental illness?

A mental illness is a biological illness affecting emotions and behavior. This makes the person not able to manage the ordinary demands and routines of everyday life. Some of the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. With proper care and treatment, many people learn to manage or recover from these conditions.

How can I sort out how I'm feeling about my loved one's condition?

You might find yourself denying the warning signs, worrying what other people will think or wondering what caused your loved one to become ill. Sometimes you might even be angry at the person's behavior. These feelings are normal. Families going through similar situations feel the same way.

Where can I go for help for myself?

Whenever possible, seek support from friends and family members. If you feel you can't discuss your situation with friends or other family members, find a self-help group, a support group, or a therapist. Groups like these give you a chance to talk to other people who are going through the same types of problems. Whether you choose a group or a therapist, either can listen and offer valuable advice.

If I talk to a therapist for myself, what should I say?

On your first visit, the counselor or the doctor will want to get to know you and why you called him or her. The doctor will want to know why you feel you need counseling, what you do, where you live, with whom you live.

If you don't feel comfortable with the professional after the first or even several visits, don't be afraid to contact another counselor. Feeling comfortable with the professional you choose is very important.

How much time should I spend with my loved one?

It's common for the person with the illness to become the focus of family life. When this happens, other members of the family might feel ignored or resentful.

If you are the caregiver, you need some time for yourself. Be sure to take time away to prevent becoming frustrated or angry. Scheduling time for yourself will help you to keep things in perspective. And, you might have more patience and compassion for coping with or helping your loved one.

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Depression is a serious medical condition, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior within the first few months of treatment. This risk must be balanced with the medical need. Those starting medication or changing doses should be watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening of depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. In children and teens, Zoloft is only approved for use in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A patient Medication Guide about "Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions" is available.

Zoloft is not for everyone. People taking MAOIs or pimozide shouldn't take Zoloft. Concomitant use of Zoloft with NSAIDs or aspirin may be associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, nausea and sleepiness. In studies, few people were bothered enough by side effects to stop taking Zoloft. Side effects may result from stopping Zoloft particularly when abrupt. You should, however, stop taking Zoloft if you get any of the following symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening reaction, such as fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, trouble thinking clearly, a change in mental functioning, sleepiness, or change in your breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure.

You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as there is a potential risk to the fetus with Zoloft. Like many antidepressants, Zoloft can be present in breast milk so tell your doctor if you are nursing.

Zoloft is approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.

Zoloft is not habit-forming and is not associated with weight gain. So talk to your doctor about how Zoloft might help you. Zoloft comes in 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg tablets. You and your doctor can discuss a dose for you.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

This product information is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

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