12.9.4  Be prepared to discuss whatever questions the person may have

Some people with depression may not think they have an illness; in that case you should explain to them that depression is an illness. Others may ask you about medication, so you can give them the information provided in Section 12.6. Please remember that you are not likely to know all the answers to the questions a patient with depression and their family and friends may have. You should not feel you should and this study session is not intended to prepare you to have the answers to all the questions. When you don’t know the answer to a question, tell them politely that you don’t have the training to know the answer to that particular question. But you may be able to judge whether the question is an important one that should be answered. If you are unsure about a particular issue raised by a person with depression, or a family member, you may need to consult another professional colleague. When you think the question is less important, you can reassure the person.

You have now come to the end of the session on depression. To finish let’s summarise the most important issues you have learned.