How to Help Someone With Depression
One of the most important questions you can ask yourself when attempting to help someone with depression is how to approach this condition. While it is easy to get overwhelmed by the topic, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Learn about the symptoms and signs of depression so you can talk to someone about them. It is possible to make a real difference in a person’s life if you are able to understand their symptoms and help them.
What Are The Signs Of Depression
While feeling down is a normal part of life, it can become a severe problem if it interferes with everyday functioning. This can make it hard to work, study, or even enjoy your own life. Here are some warning signs that you might be depressed. While not everyone experiences all of them, you might be experiencing a few. If any of them sound familiar, you may need to seek help from a medical professional.
Restlessness – Many people suffering from depression feel restless. Sometimes, they don’t even realize they are feeling this way. Other signs include thinking about ending your life or wishing you were dead. Suicidal thoughts – these thoughts are not uncommon, and can appear in many different ways. For example, someone suffering from depression may secretly draw a picture of a dead body or close social media accounts without telling anyone. Another common symptom of depression is having suicidal thoughts.
What Are The Symptoms Of Depression
What are the symptoms of depression? Depression affects one in seven Americans, and it affects both men and women differently. Its physical symptoms, such as fatigue and irritability, are more common in men than women. Depression also can cause changes in sleep patterns, and a depressed person will need more sleep than normal. Sleep deprivation can lead to a lack of energy the next day. Depressed people may experience weight loss, or increased appetite. They may feel tired all the time.
While feeling down is normal, if the depression continues to persist, it can lead to major depression. People who experience depression often lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy. Depression may also lead to back pain, anger, or workaholism. While the symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, the core symptoms are the same. The warning signs of depression include decreased interest in daily tasks, decreased appetite, and a lack of energy.
How To Support Somone With Depression
If you’re not sure what to do or who to talk to, here are some tips for how to support someone with depression. First, know your limits. If you can’t watch them all day, don’t try to do everything for them. Instead, state the facts in a nonjudgmental way and let them respond. They may think they can just snap out of their depression, or that they are strong enough to cope with their situation. When you notice that they are no longer able to do what they normally do, call 911 or a suicide hotline immediately.
Offer to do some of their tasks. While this may seem overwhelming, make sure that you listen carefully to what your loved one is saying. They may be feeling alone or even self-critical, so be supportive and patient. If you’re able, make plans with them and try to provide a low-stress environment for them. If you’re unable to help them, they may be too frightened to open up to you.
How to talk to someone about depression
When talking to someone with depression, acknowledge their feelings. Acknowledging depression can be comforting and reassuring to a person suffering from the condition. It also allows you to be a part of their life and give them the opportunity to feel seen and heard. This can also lead to more help and treatment. Here are some tips:
Try to avoid offering advice. Giving advice can seem like judgement, and it’s important to be compassionate. Try asking, “How are you handling things?” instead. This will give you a good insight into whether or not you should seek professional help. If you think you’re the only person who is close to someone suffering from depression, consider avoiding conversation about it during stressful times. If possible, check in regularly to see how they’re doing.
Encouraging the person to get help with their depression
When someone is struggling with depression, they may feel unable to express their feelings and might not want to talk about it. In such situations, it is important to listen with empathy and ask what can be done to help. Do not insist on a treatment plan or suggest one for them – simply offer to listen. Encourage them to try new activities, attend therapy sessions, or even join a support group. While they may not be ready to talk, you can still offer to call and set appointments and arrange transportation.
Often, a loved one may judge themselves harshly and find fault in almost everything. They may ask for help with household tasks, but you may be the only one who can do it. Encourage the person with depression to seek help from others, even if they can’t be forced. Make sure to set reasonable expectations for recovery. Recovery from depression isn’t instant, so don’t expect to see results in a matter of weeks or months.
