10 ways to help someone with depression (2023)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 21 million adults in the US suffer from depression.Because it's one of the most common mental health conditions, there's a good chance that you or someone you know has experienced at least one episode of depression in their lifetime.

If someone you love has depression, you might be wondering how they canhelp. You may even experience a variety of difficult feelings, such as worry, disappointment, and anger.

This article looks at how to help someone with depression. It focuses on strategies you can use to support andencourage your loved one to seek treatment for their condition.

General description

If you live with someone who is depressed and you see their day to day life, you might feel confused and even scared at times. And if you've never been depressed, you might find it hard to imagine how you feel. You might not know much about him.causes of depression,How is it diagnosed, whattreatment optionsare available.

It may help to know that it's normal to feel confused, overwhelmed, or unsure of what you can do to help. Rather than letting these fears stop you from helping, use your concern to learn more about the condition and guide your search for ways you can help.

Social support can play an important role in mental well-being, including a protective role against depression.Letting your friend know that you care and want to help can be an important first step.

There are many steps you can take to educate yourself about your loved one's experience of depression, but you must also look after your own mental health and well-being.

How to help someone with depression

While each person's experience with depression is unique (as is the experience ofsupport someone who is depressed) Here are some ideas to get you started. Learning more about supporting someone with depression can help you feel more empowered and ready to help.

Take care

You won't be able to support another person if you feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Periodically take time to remove yourself from the situation and recharge your batteries.

While you can't "catch" depression the way you might catch a cold or the flu, thegenetic and environmental influencesit can make people who live together or are members of the same family more likely to be depressed.

acknowledge your feelings

Depression can be demanding both for the person experiencing it and for those who care about it. Remember that your feelings are a valid response to what can be, at times, a challenging situation to navigate.

You may find it helpful to find a support group for caregivers, talk to a close friend, or see a counselor. The important thing is to vent your frustrations instead of allowing them to build up.

Know the facts about depression

There are reliable resources on the Internet that providefacts about depression, including symptoms and treatment. Read about what depression is like, as well as the myths, misconceptions andstigma around mental illness, can help you better understand your loved one's experience.

research your rights

You should also learn about other aspects of living with depression, such asinformed consentand the legal rights of people seeking treatment. You may also want to educate yourself and your loved one about thedisability lawsin your state for people who have a mental illness.

be solidarity

Sometimes the most helpful thing you can offer someone who is going through a difficult time is your presence. Simply providing aattentive earor a shoulder to cry on can be very comforting. Be patient and let your loved one know you are there for them.

You may decide to share what you've learned about depression from your research, but the most important thing you can tell them is that you understand.depression is not your faultand who are not lazy, weak, or useless.

it's not personal

Depression can affect a person's social skills and make them feel less inclined to be around other people. They can become withdrawn, shy, moody and angry.

While it can be difficult to be the target of an outburst, when someone who is depressedlash out in angerPlease note that it may not be related to you; you might be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

When your loved one pulls away from you, it can be really hard not to take it personally, especially if you're in a romantic relationship. If your partner doesn't want to have sex, you may feel rejected or fear that your partner doesn't love you anymore.

Try to keep in mind thatloss of sexual desireIt is a classic symptom of depression. Sexual dysfunction can also be amedication side effectI used to treat him.

Avoid judgment and blame

If someone you love is depressed and can no longer do the activities they used to, including working or helping around the house, you might feel like you're lazy. When you get frustrated, try to remember that someone who is depressed is not lazy, they are sick.

daily activities likeCleaning the house, paying bills or feeding the dog can feel overwhelming, if not impossible, for someone who is depressed. If your loved one's household responsibilities are piling up, you may not be able to handle them alone.

understand medications

Many people with depression take medication, if not several. A practical way to help them is to learn how the medicine works, what the side effects are and what signs to look out for that the treatment is not working or that your loved one has stopped taking a medicine (for example,withdrawal symptoms).

It can also help them remember to refill prescriptions, keep their pills organized, make sure they are taking their medications as prescribed, and reassure them that they aren't "crazy" about taking them.

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learn about therapy

In addition to learning about the medication options available, spend some time researching the therapy options available to treat depression. Types of therapy that may be helpful for your loved one:

• cognitive behavioral therapyIt's an approach that helps people recognize and change the negative thinking patterns that play a role in depression symptoms.
• interpersonal therapyfocuses on helping people improve their communication skills and interpersonal relationships.
• dialectical behavior therapyIt is a type of therapy that incorporates aspects of mindfulness and helps people learn to manage stress, improve relationships and regulate their emotions.

Find a support group

support groupsIt can be a beneficial resource for people with depression, as well as their friends and family. Talking with others who share your experience can be a great way to find encouragement and support. Other members may also offer tips, suggestions, and resource information that you may find useful.

In addition to the face-to-face support groups that may be available in your community, there are also online anddepression chatswhere you can talk about your experiences and share what you're feeling.

offer hope

Offer your loved one hope in whatever way they are able to accept it. It could be a faith in God or some other kind of higher power, your kids or pets, or anything in your life that makes you want to keep living.

If someone with depression is showingsigns of suicidal ideation, self-harm, or if you are concerned that they are planning a suicide attempt, they need immediate help.

For the safety of your loved one, be aware of the warning signs that may indicate suicidal tendencies, such as:

• worry about death
• Create a will or donate assets
• Speak openly about wanting to commit suicide
• Say goodbye like it's the last time
• Elaboration of a suicide plan, acquisition of the means to carry it out, "rehearsal" behavior, marking time for the attempt
• Statements like "You would be better off without me" or "I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up".
• Suddenly going from very depressed to very happy or calm for no apparent reason

unconditionally love

People who are depressed often feel a deep sense of guilt. They may believe that they are a burden to those around them. Sometimes they even begin to feel that their loved ones would be "better off" with them.

One of the ways to combat these feelings is to regularly show and say that youlove them unconditionally. When you're feeling down or angry, it's important to reassure them that you're frustrated with their illness, not them.

links and resources

In addition to learning more about supporting the person you care about, it may also be helpful to explore links to some of thebest depression resourcesthat can offer more tools, information and support.

Some resources that can help include:

• National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Hotline (SAMHSA):visite onlineor call 1-800-662-4357
• National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI):visite online, call 1-800-950-6264 or text NAMI 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline:visite onlineor league 988

A Word from Verywell

When you care about someone with depression and are trying to figure out how best to help, some support is essential. Whether it comes from others in your life or a caregiver support group, taking care of yourself not only strengthens your ability to help your loved one, but it is also a positive example of good self-care.