Have you ever tried to help a family member or other loved one through the symptoms of depression? I have, and have felt every emotion imaginable in the process – sadness, helplessness, fear, guilt, even frustration and anger.
I’ve felt as if my efforts to be a source of support were not just unfruitful but overlooked and even resented by the very person I was trying to help. Even though I knew I was offering vital social support and playing an important role in their life, how to help someone with depression was an absolute mystery to me.
Although I had battled depression myself, the further I got from it, the fuzzier my memories became. But even if I had perfect memory, every depression experience is different.
Understanding Depression
Depression is a serious mental illness that can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Knowing how to recognize its symptoms and identify its causes is the best way to help you better support someone dealing with depression.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression
Depression manifests in various ways.
It can include feelings of deep sadness and hopelessness in the depressed person. People with major depressive disorder may experience a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Physical symptoms of depression are common too. These can include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels.
Some might find it hard to concentrate, while others may feel irritable or restless. In severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide can occur.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sadness
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of energy
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Suicidal thoughts
Recognizing these symptoms of depression early is important for getting help.
Identifying the Causes of Depression
The causes of depression are varied.
Major depression can stem from genetic factors. If a family member has had clinical depression, you might be more at risk.
Brain chemistry also plays a role. Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters can lead to clinical depression.
Life events can trigger depression too. Traumatic experiences, such as the loss of a family member or friend or other major life events, can be significant triggers.
Chronic stress and anxiety can also lead to depression. And sometimes, medical conditions or medications can contribute to major depressive disorder.
Key causes of depression include:
- Genetics from a family member
- Brain chemistry
- Traumatic life events
- Chronic stress
- Other mental illness diagnoses
- Medical conditions
- Medications
Understanding the causes of clinical depression can help in finding the right treatment and support.
Support Strategies
Helping someone with depression involves both effective communication and providing emotional support. These methods help build trust and show the person you care.
Communication Techniques
Open and clear communication is important. Start by letting the depressed person know you are there for them.
Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling today?” instead of questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” This encourages a deeper conversation.
Listening is key. When they talk, the best thing you can do is to listen without interrupting or making judgments.
Avoid giving unsolicited advice and focus on what they’re expressing. Sometimes, just knowing someone is willing to listen can be very comforting.
Validate their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel the way they do.
Use phrases like “It sounds like you’re going through a tough time.” This shows empathy and understanding.
Providing Emotional Support
The most important thing you can do for a depressed person is to be present and consistent. Regularly check in on them through text, calls, or visits.
Sometimes, just sitting quietly with them can be reassuring. Small actions like these can show that you care and are there for them.
Encourage them to engage in positive activities. Simple things like taking a walk or cooking together can help to boost their mood.
Offer hope and remind them that depression is treatable. This can be very encouraging.
Suggest they stick with their treatment plan and offer to help with appointments if needed.
Also, practice patience. Recovery can be a slow process, but your continued support plays an important role.
Professional Help and Medical Support
Getting the right professional help and medical support is key when helping someone with depression. Knowing when to seek help, exploring different therapy options, and understanding medications can make a big difference.
When to Seek Professional Help
The most important thing you can do for your loved one is to help them recognize when they need professional help, and to support them in securing that help.
If your loved one talks about feeling hopeless, shows drastic changes in behavior, or is experiencing thoughts of suicide, it’s time to step in. Other signs include withdrawal from social activities, significant changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulties concentrating.
Encourage them to start with their primary health care provider, who can rule out any medical conditions that might be causing their symptoms. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeing a mental health service provider, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, is important.
Exploring Therapy Options
There are various therapy options to consider.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common choice that helps change negative thought patterns. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationships and communication skills.
For some, support groups and group therapy offer a sense of community and social support.
Therapy can be done in person or through online platforms, individually or as part of support groups, providing flexibility and accessibility. The best thing you can do is to encourage your loved one to find a mental health service provider with whom they feel comfortable, as trust is essential for effective treatment.
Understanding Medications
Medications can be an important part of treating clinical depression.
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), are often prescribed. They help balance chemicals in the brain that affect the mood of a depressed person.
It’s essential to understand and remind your loved one that medications can take several weeks to show effects. There might be side effects, but these usually lessen over time.
Make sure to encourage your loved one to discuss any concerns with the prescribing doctor and never stop medications abruptly. The best thing they can do to help ensure an optimal outcome is to closely follow their doctor’s guidance.
Lifestyle Changes and Daily Activities Management
Making thoughtful lifestyle changes and assisting with daily activities can greatly help someone with depression. Your support in these areas can improve their wellbeing and make daily tasks feel more manageable.
Encouraging Lifestyle Changes
Small lifestyle changes play an important part in mental health.
Encourage your family member to maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, and nutrients like folate, found in leafy greens, can be particularly beneficial.
Suggest they keep a consistent sleep schedule.
This helps to regulate mood and energy levels. It’s also helpful to limit caffeine and alcohol, which can both give your family member a hard time falling asleep each night and exacerbate major depression.
Another useful tip is to promote mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga. These can help manage stress and improve mood over time.
Engaging in hobbies or activities they enjoy can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy as they shift to focus on the good things in their life.
Sunlight exposure also plays a role, so encourage regular outdoor activities or even just opening the blinds to let natural light in.
While a depressed person might overlook simple lifestyle changes as an answer to their depression symptoms, the National Institute of Mental Health has found that lifestyles changes have the potential to make a huge impact on the recovery process.
Assisting with Daily Activities
People with depression often have a hard time completing everyday tasks, even on their good days.
On their bad days, offer to help with daily activities like grocery shopping or cooking meals. Simple chores can feel overwhelming when they don’t have much energy.
Encourage them to break tasks into smaller steps. For example, rather than cleaning the entire house, focus on one room at a time.
Support them in setting a daily routine that can persist through both the good days and bad days.
Consistency can make a hard time feel more manageable. Include small, enjoyable activities and other good things, like a short walk or reading a book.
Offer to join them in tasks they find challenging.
Doing laundry, preparing meals, or going for a walk together can provide both practical help and companionship. Your presence can make daily activities less daunting and give them the support they need to get through the bad days.
Crisis and Suicide Prevention
If you think someone is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to recognize the signs and offer immediate suicide prevention support. Prompt action can save lives and provide much-needed help.
Identifying Crisis Signs
Recognizing early signs of suicidal thoughts is essential. Symptoms may include:
- Extreme mood swings.
- Withdrawal from friends, activities, and other social support.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Sudden changes in behavior or appearance.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Increase in substance abuse.
These behaviors indicate that the person may be experiencing not only depression symptoms, but serious mental illness. Understanding these signs of thoughts of suicide can help you know when to act for effective suicide prevention.
Offering Immediate Support
When you identify someone at risk, the most important thing you can do it to provide immediate support.
Encourage them to reach out to the 988 Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline. They can also text 988 for free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors available 24/7 on the crisis lifeline.
You can also suggest they speak to a mental health service professional or join support groups.
If the person is a veteran, guide them to the Veterans Crisis Line. They can call 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
Offer your presence and listen without judgment.
Simple phrases like “I’m here for you,” or “You’re not alone” can make a difference. Remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you’re reading this post and other resources to learn how to help someone with depression, you’re an incredible person! Take hope! Because a recent study found that supportive loved ones helped to cure depression for 50% of study participants.
That’s not only an important role you’re playing but a very powerful source of support!
I know how frustrating it is but I also know that it doesn’t last forever.
So hang in there, friend! We’re here for you!
P.S. Looking for more info on depression? Then check out the rest of our series:
You Could Be Living With Depression and Not Even Know It
Inside a Depressed Person’s Mind | The Best Description You’ll Ever Read
What Does God Say About Depression? 8 Biblical Truths Crucial to Recovery
Don’t Shut Out the World | Why Your Friends May Be the Cure to Depression
Prefer to receive our 5-day series on depression via email? We’ll send you one post a day! Grab it here!
*DebPreston.com is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, or therapy. Always seek the advice of your health care provider or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any mental health symptoms or medical conditions. Never disregard professional psychological or medical advice nor delay in seeking professional advice or treatment because of something you have read on DebPreston.com.
Disclosure: While all opinions are our own, we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, at no additional cost to you.
