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5 Ways to Help Someone Struggling With Depression
Watching someone you love struggle through depression can make you feel helpless: you want to offer support, but you feel unsure of how to help. With approximately 300 million people worldwide suffering from depression,1 many of us will at some point be close to someone experiencing this disorder. Although it may feel exasperating at times, with a little research and the right approach, there are some steps you can take to help.
1. Learn How to Recognize the Signs of Depression
Being able to spot the signs of depression will help you distinguish between who your loved one is and how their depression makes them act. This helps you take their behavior less personally, allowing you to better protect your own well-being. And, in turn, you can more supportive to them.
Common Characteristics of Depression2
- Sleeping or eating more or less than usual
- Low energy
- Unexplained physical pain
- Loss of interest in work, school, activities, or sex
- Pervasive feelings of sadness, hopelessness and guilt
- Talking about suicide
2. Express Your Concern
Though it may not be comfortable to bring up, the first step to getting help is to acknowledge that there’s a problem. Severe depression can be life-threatening,3 and people lost in its fog can’t see what others see. If you’re concerned about your loved one, kindly and compassionately let them know—it could be a vital step in the right direction.
Explore Depression Treatment Centers
3. Listen With an Open Heart
There’s a reason depression has been called the “disease of loneliness”4—depressed people often get labeled as “downers” and further isolated from their would-be support circles. But just like we care for loved ones struggling with any other ailment, we can do the same for someone who is struggling with depression.
Depression can be downright debilitating. Simply offering a listening ear, bringing over a hot meal or sitting with your loved on to watch a movie are great ways to show your support. Since this illness makes it difficult to express any positive emotions like gratitude or appreciation, you may feel like your kindness goes unnoticed. But the truth is that thoughtful deeds like these can give someone strength to get through the day.
It also puts you in the best position to encourage them to get help.
4. Encouraged Your Depressed Loved One to Get Proper Care
The good news is that depression is treatable.5 Because it’s such a motivation killer, the role loved ones play in getting a depressed person into treatment can’t be understated. Depression that remains untreated can get worse over time, so getting your loved one into treatment is paramount. And although setting boundaries with a depressed loved one6 is often easier said than done, it’s also equally important to protect your own physical and mental health in the process. Leaving the counseling up to the professionals is the best course of action, especially for severe depression.
5. Look Into Depression Treatment Options
Treatment comes in many different forms, including inpatient rehab for depression, which can yield great results. This can be a good option for people whose depression is more acute, or who weren’t happy with the outcomes of previous approaches they tried. Treatment methods for depression vary, but typically consist of some combination of medication, counseling, and holistic therapies.
To learn more about what programs are available and browse centers based on location, specialization, and more, visit our collection of rehab centers specializing in depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some ways to help someone struggling with depression?
You can help someone with depression by offering emotional support, listening without judgment, encouraging them to seek professional help, and promoting healthy habits like exercise and good sleep. Be sure to avoid making assumptions about their condition.
What should I do if someone I know is suicidal?
If you know someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to take their statements seriously and seek professional help immediately. You can encourage them to call a suicide prevention hotline and accompany them to get emergency care.
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Depression. World Health Organization, 30 Jan. 2020,https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
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“Depression.” National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression. Accessed 9 Jan. 2023.
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Brådvik L. (2018). Suicide Risk and Mental Disorders. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(9), 2028. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15092028
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“The Risks of Social Isolation.” Https://Www.Apa.Org, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation
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NIMH » Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/
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Be There - Created by Jack.Org. https://bethere.org/know-your-role. Accessed 9 Jan. 2023.
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