How To Help Someone With Depression?

Having someone close to you struggle with depression can be challenging.  You might find it difficult to empathize with the condition or feel that you are unprepared to help with your family member’s or friend’s depression. Your inability to assist may cause feelings of inadequacy with associated emotions such as frustration, anger, helplessness, guilt, and fear. 
​
However, your support and companionship could play a crucial role in the recovery of your loved one. Read on to know how can you can someone with depression. 

---

Be Aware of the Symptoms

Being aware of the symptoms of depression can allow you to recognize the disorder in your loved ones.  Hence, it’s important to be aware of the signs of depression.
​
It may be time to seek support if you notice the following symptoms in your loved one: 

• Has lost interest in work
• Lack of interest in hobbies and other activities he loved doing earlier
• Prefers to be alone
• Appears sad, angry, and irritable most of the times
• Exhibits mood swings
• Complains of vague aches and pains frequently 
• Sleeps less or more than usual 
• Eats less or more than usual

​

Encourage Seeking Medical Help for Depression

​You can advise your loved one to see a psychiatrist. If he or she is reluctant to see a psychiatrist, you can suggest visiting a family doctor for a general check-up. Consulting a psychiatrist and receiving appropriate treatment will help overcome the difficult emotions and enable faster recovery.

Offer Help

You can offer help by being supportive in finding a therapist. You may also accompany him or her to the first visit. For a person battling depression, it can be a huge help to have someone present while going to a doctor.
​

Follow Up with the Treatment

​Make sure your loved one is visiting the therapist regularly and engaging in treatment. Show  support and enquire kindly about progress and hurdles. 

You can also help make and keep appointments, stay on schedule with the treatment, and research other treatment options. 
​

Encourage Activities

One of the best ways to help your loved one living with depression is to re-introduce them to his/her hobbies. You can also encourage him/her to attend social events. You can encourage or prompt fun activities such as having dinner or watching movies.
​

Exercises

Exercises can help to support the recovery of patients with depression. Physical activities stimulate the release of some chemicals in the brain that improve moods and reduce negative thoughts such as stress and anxiety. 

You can invite your friends to accompany you to the gym or for a walk in the park. 

Safety
People with depression can have thoughts of suicide. While caring for your loved one with depression, be alert to notice the warning signs of suicidal tendencies.

It may exhibit as: 

• Talking about dying, suicide, or harming oneself
• Self-destructive actions
• Expressing feelings of self-hate, worthlessness, and hopelessness 
• Getting their affairs in order 
• Seeking out weapons or pills
• Saying goodbye

If you feel your loved one might be contemplating suicide, do not wait. Instead, talk openly to them and seek medical help immediately!
​

A Caring Attitude

A caring attitude can play a vital role in the recovery of your loved one. You can be their pillar of support. You can also seek the advice of a psychiatrist to help him overcome the symptoms so that he can live a healthy and happy life. 
​