How to Help Someone With Depression
If your loved one is struggling with depression, you may be wondering how to help. Here are some tips to help. As a family member, you can provide support by helping them keep appointments, research treatment options, and stay on track with prescribed treatment. While you can help them with depression symptoms, it is important to set realistic expectations because recovery from depression doesn’t happen over night. As a friend or family member, you can also lead by example by encouraging your loved one to adopt healthier lifestyles. If you are depressed yourself, try to be a positive role model, avoiding alcohol and using drugs, and seeking support from friends or family.
What Are The Signs Of Depression
Symptoms of depression include a lowered mood and lack of pleasure in normal activities. Individuals with depression are more likely to become irritable and snappy. The person may also become withdrawn, unable to socialize, or even stop eating. They may feel fatigued and sleep irregularly. These changes in mood and sleep patterns can lead to weight loss and increased appetite. Tremors are also common, although they are considered psychosomatic.
Depressed people experience constant fatigue, low energy levels, and loss of motivation. The symptoms of depression may worsen overtime. These problems can interfere with their ability to work or maintain relationships. Depression can be difficult to recognize, but it is treatable if diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Treatment may include antidepressants or anxiolytics. Some of the signs of depression include hunched posture, crying spells, low self-esteem, and feelings of worthlessness.
What Are The Symptoms Of Depression
Some people experience fatigue, irritability, and hopelessness due to depression. Some people may feel hopeless or worthless, which makes doing the most simple tasks difficult. People who suffer from depression also tend to have trouble letting go of mistakes, or may become overly preoccupied with their mistakes. They may even personalize trivial events, such as a fumbled word, and believe that it proves they are insufficient or unworthy.
While there are many causes of depression, the core symptoms are low mood, and a lack of interest in activities. Whether or not a person experiences these symptoms is largely up to the individual. There are several warning signs that a person may be experiencing a depressive episode. Getting the right diagnosis from a doctor is important to get the proper treatment. Some people have several of these symptoms, but some may not be fully present.
How To Support Somone With Depression
One of the best ways to support someone with depression is to listen to their problems, and take time to understand and empathize. Be sure not to offer advice or judge their feelings, and remember to get help if necessary. When you feel overwhelmed, try taking time for yourself to recharge. Identify your own depression symptoms and try to understand their feelings and challenges. Helping someone with depression can help you to overcome your own feelings and struggles and can be an important part of preventing burnout.
Depression often causes individuals to self-medicate. It can be difficult to discuss the disorder with a loved one because of the negative stigma associated with it. A good way to start the conversation about depression is by asking about the symptoms and observing the changes yourself. If possible, try to be compassionate and understanding, but be sure to pause long enough for the person suffering from depression to respond. A person suffering from depression might believe that it will simply snap out of it and that they are mentally strong enough to handle whatever it takes. If they are convinced that they will snap out of their depression, they may not seek treatment.
How to talk to someone about depression
Often, understanding a person’s depression is crucial in helping them cope. By communicating non-judgemental support, you can make your friend feel better about themselves. While words can be helpful, avoid offering solutions that may not be relevant to their needs. For example, supportive words may help a friend who recently lost a loved one. Do not assume that you know how they feel, or relate back to your own understanding.
Instead, ask how they are doing. If you can see changes in their behavior, offer to help them. But avoid giving advice or making criticism. Attempting to offer a cure can seem judgmental, and will make the person feel like you’re not being empathetic. Instead, ask, “How are you handling this?” This way, you’ll get an understanding of whether your help is needed. Alternatively, ask whether they are getting treatment and follow through on offers of help.
Encouraging the person to get help with their depression
While encouraging the person with depression to get help is important, it can be difficult to do so without being judgmental or pushing. Instead, try cultivating a loving and supportive environment where the person can be heard and understood. Avoid stigmatizing depression or making them feel hopeless by making it clear that it is a medical condition that can improve with proper treatment. It’s also important to remember that lifestyle changes can alleviate some of the symptoms of depression. However, these changes cannot cure the disease itself.
While trying to encourage the person with depression to get help, keep in mind that they may not be ready to share their feelings yet. You can encourage them by listening without judging them, and not inflexibly insisting on specific treatments or programs. Instead, listen attentively and don’t press them to explain your thoughts or your own experience. Offer to make phone calls, set appointments, or arrange transportation. Whatever they need, they’ll appreciate your concern.
