Depression Advice: Dick Cavett Explains What Not To Do (VIDEO)

In an interview with BigThink.com, Dick Cavett, a long-time talk show host and current blogger for The New York Times, offered simple advice to people suffering from depression or who have loved ones who may be battling the illness.

"Get help, immediately," he urged. "Get medication if that's right for you, or talk therapy, or something."

The 74-year-old television star suffered from depression for many years, beginning when he was a freshman at Yale and continuing through his years as one of the most well-known figures on television. At his worst, he even contemplated suicide.

"The very simple reason that you don't want to fool with [depression] is people with depression commit suicide," he told BigThink.

Cavett has long been vocal about his past struggles with depression, and he regards the fact that his candor has helped others as the payoff for going through something so awful. He recalls people saying to him things like, "You saved my dad's life. He thought if this could happen to you, it's all right for it to happen to him," calling this "one of the uses of celebrity, perhaps."

He also explained what not to say to a depressed person.

WATCH:

Comments

[Rose White]

10:18 AM on 07/05/2011

Well done for helping so many people and their families to deal with depression. Depression is indeed an overwhelming illness and sufferers often feel a stigma (perceived or actual) about their illness. I believe high profile people going public and acknowledging in public that they have depression will enable more people to seek help to overcome depression. Depression makes us feel isolated and lonely but when we hear about someone famous in the same situation we feel that this illness can effect anyone even the high achievers! I feel what you are doing is very worthwhile. I have set up a blog which you are all very welcome to visit http://depressionadviceblog.com

[ignacio sanabria]

04:06 PM on 07/04/2011

Depression is a very serious illness that deprives the individual from living a normal life. Any awareness created about this difficult disease is more than welcome. Unfortunately, there is not an efficient treatment for depression as of yet, but a myriad of therapies and techniques that little by little is showing its worth, yet, a lot more needs to be done regarding this pesky disorder.

[cschuster]

05:19 PM on 07/06/2011

Depression is a very complicated disorder, one that can "look" differently on different people. It is typically diagnosed via a patient interview. Therapy/treatment for depression can be a long and enduring process. Misdiagnosis is not uncommon. Fortunately there is now a Depression Blood Test (MDDScore) available that can help clinicians diagnose depression.

[brux]

03:23 AM on 07/04/2011

And the pharmaceutical companies give him money, and he talks up their products in a commercial for them. I really liked Dick Cavett. All the really good thoughtful shows always got cancelled in favor of the junk shows. No wonder he was depressed. And since he has not worked in so long, maybe he needs the money, or maybe he really believes there is treatment for any of this. The treatment in my mind would be to fix the country and stop putting unbearable stress on every non-multi-millionaire so that only some people can live normal human lives with freedom and self-determination.

[Anne Siperek]

10:57 PM on 07/03/2011

I always liked him. Felt comfortable, like I knew him personally. No one like him on tv anymore and thats a shame. In fact, It depresses me. Ya hear me Mr Cavett?? You have to get back in the public eye more! We miss you!

[Badger33]

10:29 PM on 07/03/2011

I wish he was still on the air. I don't see anyone like him on the horizon. When I was a kid, I would play hookie just to watch his show.

[SarcasticFringehead]

05:21 PM on 07/04/2011

Yes.
America is so dumbed-down, that anyone showing as much intelligence as Dick Cavett wouldn't stand a chance now.
It's practically a miracle that Charlie Rose has lasted so long.

[injinplease]

01:29 PM on 07/03/2011

He's a Rock Star to me ,his show was so good it holds up better over time . Heroically humble and a great talent .

[Bluesky555]

12:43 PM on 07/03/2011

I honestly didn't know Dick Cavett was still alive. (no snark intended at all!) I always enjoyed his on-air commentary and interviews. Seems like a nice man, really, and I have no idea about his political leanings, although I'd like to believe he's a democrat at least, and a progressive-liberal at best! :-)

[cherrypie]

12:23 PM on 07/03/2011

A brave, brilliant person. Amazing! Dick Cavett talked about this almost before any celebrity has. This is the first step in getting help for others: Destigmatization of mood disorders. Thank you.