How to Help Someone With Depression
According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 21 million adults in the US have experienced at least one severe episode of depression. That adds up to about 8.4% of the total adult population.
Due to the prevalence of this mental health condition, there are chances everyone knows someone who struggles with it. But because of echoes of mental health stigma and still low awareness about depression, it’s common to lack knowledge of helping those having it.
To help you be more informed, we’ve gathered the seven most helpful tips on how to help someone with depression. Read on to know them!
If you think you experience depression symptoms, get your symptoms checked by our mental health experts.
How to Help Someone Who Is Depressed
1. Learn More About Depression
The first step toward assisting someone living with depression is to have a deep understanding of the disorder. There are a lot of online resources where someone can learn the signs, risk factors, types of depression, statistics, and how to deal with depression. You can find a lot of useful information in our blog too.
That will allow you to understand better what the depressed person is going through and how to assist them.
2. Keep in Touch
Staying in touch can be difficult when helping someone with depression as they may want to socialize less. But it’s important to make an effort. A simple text or call to a depressed person assures them that at least someone loves and thinks about them. Such small signs assure them that someone can go a long way toward improving their mood.
3. Practice Patience
Dealing with depression is challenging. People suffering from it might sometimes distance themselves from others, as they want to be left alone. Trying to assist someone who doesn’t want your help can be a pain.
However, the helper should understand that everyone deals with depression in their own way, so they should not lose patience. Chronic depression takes time to cure; abandoning patients at this stage will hinder their healing process.
4. Start a Conversation
Sometimes depressed people find it difficult to start conversations or communicate at all. Put the person at ease by assuring them of total support. Use a concerned voice and leading questions to kick off a conversation. For example, ask them when they started feeling low or how you can be of help.
5. Become a Good Listener
Feelings of isolation characterize people with depression. Sometimes they feel lonely when they don’t have somebody to talk to about their issues. Asking them how they feel about everything lately is sure to garner their compassion.
A depressed person also often finds it difficult to express their emotions. Give them undivided attention and respect while they talk. Make sure they know they can talk about their health without feeling pressured to get over it.
Nothing is more valuable to them than being listened to, as it helps them deal with pent-up anger, frustration, and self-esteem issues.
Suicidal thoughts or intentions are severe symptoms of depression. It is better to start treatment early to prevent such situations. Contact us today if you have depression symptoms.
6. Understand Suicide Risk
Depression significantly raises a patient’s possibility of attempting suicide. According to research, over 60% of people who attempt suicide worldwide suffer from the major depressive disorder (MDD).
When helping someone with depression, get ready for the likelihood that they could have suicidal thoughts at a certain point. Here are actions to take when helping a depressed person with suicidal thoughts:
- Seek help from family members and their doctors.
- Contact a suicide prevention hotline and get help (988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, etc.)
- Get the person to a safe place as soon as possible.
- Let them know that there are people who are concerned about their life.
7. Take Care of Yourself
People who help those with depression may find that it puts a strain on their mental health as well. Here are some of the ways you can take care of yourself while helping one with depression:
- Take breaks and allocate time for activities you enjoy.
- Don’t neglect yourself, practice self-care.
- Ask for help from friends or family or seek professional assistance.
Extra Tips on Offering Support to People with Depression
Depressed people may need emotional, social, and even financial support. Remember that it can be nerve-wracking to admit that they suffer from depression and require help. So, your confidence and motivation is the key. Your assistance with even simple tasks will be highly beneficial. For example, consider the next options of help for the depressed:
- Help with tasks: Offer to assist them with everyday tasks such as doing the dishes, laundry, shopping, and other household chores.
- Encourage treatment: Depression rarely gets better and will likely worsen if they refuse to seek treatment. Convince them to seek professional care, keep appointments, and take their prescribed medication.
- Accompany them to the clinic: If they express interest and have no problem having a person accompany them to their medical visit, offer assistance. Help them find a qualified mental health clinic and escort them to their appointment. If they have severe symptoms and don’t want to have in-person appointments, tell them about the opportunity to get help for depression online.
- Help them stay healthy: Try to motivate them to exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep. A person with depression should also control their alcohol intake since alcohol is a depressant, and its addiction can worsen depression.
Final Word
Managing depression can be challenging for the person and their loved ones who watch them suffer. Now, you know some basic tips on how to support someone with depression and can make their life easier. Still, remember to take care of yourself, too, and encourage the person who has depression to get professional help to overcome the condition faster. With our online services, it is even simpler and more affordable than ever before.
