How to Help Someone With Depression
If you’re wondering how to help someone with depression, here are some helpful tips. First, recognize the signs of depression. It can be very difficult to talk to someone about your own feelings, but there are several ways to approach the issue. You can also use some of these tips when talking to someone you know. For more information, read our article on How To Support Someone With Depression. To get started, ask the person you’re concerned about if they have any symptoms of depression.
What Are The Signs Of Depression
Some people feel sad or hopeless for no apparent reason. They lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. While these symptoms can vary from person to person, they are usually present for weeks or months. These can interfere with a person’s ability to function at work or in their personal lives. Because these symptoms come on gradually, a person may not even realize that they are depressed until they experience them consistently over a period of time.
If the symptoms persist, a person may want to see a doctor. However, doctors make their decisions based on their manuals. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 is one such manual. The symptoms of depression can be a mixture of physical and mental symptoms, but a doctor may not use all of them to make a proper diagnosis. These symptoms include thoughts of suicide and self-harm.
What Are The Symptoms Of Depression
Although it’s common to feel sad at times, what are the symptoms of depression? The symptoms of depression are usually complex, and they vary from person to person. Symptoms of depression include feeling sad and hopeless, and losing interest in activities that used to make you happy. People with depression experience these symptoms for days, weeks, or months, and they often disrupt their daily lives. Because the symptoms of depression may come on gradually, some people don’t realize they are depressed until they start to experience them.
When the symptoms of depression become severe, you may begin to think about taking your own life. These thoughts can be difficult to control and frightening. If you’re suffering from depression, these thoughts can lead to serious physical problems. Because they are difficult to explain, people may cut themselves off from other people. As a result, they can become very lonely and withdrawn. If you feel like you are in denial about your depression, it’s best to talk to a doctor right away so that you can get help.
How To Support Somone With Depression
If you’re worried that your loved one is depressed, it’s important to know how to support someone with depression. While you may feel helpless to do so, you can do your part by encouraging exercise and activity. Walking together is a simple way to encourage activity. While it can be difficult to take on too much responsibility, offer to pitch in with small tasks. Be sure to limit your involvement to keep both of you healthy.
A person with depression often feels guilty about their state. They may feel that they’re a burden to others, and that their loved ones would be better off without them. Reassuring them that you’re there for them can combat this feeling, and it can be helpful to read about depression and how to support someone with it. You can also help by offering transportation to therapy appointments and other necessary support. Make sure to remind them that their illness will pass, as it will for you.
How to talk to someone about depression
The first step when trying to talk to someone with depression is to understand that depression is not normal sadness. It is chronic and complicated. If you are unsure of how to approach this person, avoid appearing pitying. Instead, express your concern and empathy for their feelings. You should acknowledge their difficult symptoms and ask about them to get a better understanding of their struggles. If you can’t relate to the person’s experience, offer to help in some way, and don’t make it appear as though you are feeling sorry for them.
Another step is to engage in activity. Performing an activity you both enjoy can be a great distraction, and will allow you both to think more clearly. By doing so, you can get your thoughts together and talk openly about your depression. If you find that talking to someone with depression is difficult for you, make sure they have something enjoyable to do to help them. By talking, you’ll also help them feel less isolated and helpless.
Encouraging the person to get help with their depression
One of the most common messages people get when they are depressed is to simply “snap out of it.” These messages stem from the myth that we have complete control over our health, but can be a shaming or even blaming experience. In reality, depression is a complex health condition that is caused by a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. While we can’t decide to stop being depressed, we can encourage the person to seek help.
If the person has the mental capacity to talk about depression, encourage them by asking them about their feelings. Getting them to talk about their feelings about suicide is helpful for both of you, and it gives them the space to express themselves. There are many organizations that offer resources for people suffering from depression, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Employee assistance programs can also help. Faith-based groups can also help support mental health.
