Special Report: The Brain
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What to do for emotional pain

• If a friend or loved one hurts: Do him a great service by discussing his problem positively, says Michael E. Thase, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Avoid accusations - odds are the person is already self-critical. Instead, stress that treatments work no matter how convinced the person may be to the contrary. Urge him to see his family doctor or contact the local mental health agency.

• If you hurt: Seeking help is a sign of strength. "Up to 90 percent of people suffering from anxiety and depression can get significant relief through short-term behavioral or cognitive-behavioral therapy, medications or a combination of the two," says Una McCann, M.D., a researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health.

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  Where to get free information

  The National Institute of Mental Health is sponsoring two public education programs that offer information and hope:

• The D/ART (Depression: Awareness, Recognition and Treatment) program. For a free brochure, call 1-800-421-4211 or visit NIMH's Web site, www.nimh.nih.gov/dart.

• The ADEP (Anxiety Disorders Education Program) provides updates on panic disorder, phobias, OCD. Call 1-888-826-9438 or visit www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety.

  By Jim Thornton
  Thornton received a 1998 National Magazine Award for health reporting.