Dear Harlan,
I've been having some problems throughout my lifetime. It's not new.I've wanted to get help, but don't know where to begin. I think about it and never take the next step. You often suggest talking to a counselor. What's the best way to tell a counselor or help line about depression? As in, how do I explain that I'm depressed?

Reaching Out

Dear Reaching Out,
Just say, "Help me." There's no wrong way to reach out for help. The only mistake would be not allowing people who can help you to help. All you have to do is show up, and a counselor will do the rest. If you're willing to talk and be honest with yourself (and them), counselors will help you. These people are so well-trained that they will get you talking. Your job is simply to answer the questions honestly. Trained professionals know how hard it is to reach out for help. All they know is that you need help. Forget calling yourself depressed and just make the call. Tell them that you think you might be depressed. Then let them take the lead. Just sharing what's weighing so heavily on your mind will ease the pain. All you need to do is be honest with yourself and the people around you. Here's a hot line to call: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).