Supporting Depression

Depression is a serious mental illness that not only affects the sufferer but the loved ones that surround them as well. It can be very difficult and disheartening to watch a loved one battle the symptoms of depression. be very difficult and disheartening to watch a loved one battle the symptoms of depression.

Many individuals who have a loved one that suffers from depression have feelings of helplessness and sadness while watching their loved ones quality of life significantly decreased with their inability to obtain any enjoyment out of life or perform normal everyday activities.  However, if you have a loved one who is suffering from depression there are ways in which you can help by educating yourself on how to offer your support and assistance. 

The First step in helping a Loved one with Depression is Educating Yourself 

Education is the key when it comes to helping a family member or friend with depression. Learning all about depression - including the specific type that your loved has - and the causes, symptoms, and how it is treated, will give you a better understanding of how you can assist them.

The most common symptoms of depression include, loss of interest in activities they would otherwise normally enjoy, deep feelings of sadness, loss of hope, lack of concentration, excessive or sudden crying spells that seem to have no basis, difficulty sleeping or over sleeping, and unexplainable weight loss or weight gain. 

 Obtaining Treatment for Depression 

If there are noticeable signs or symptoms of depression in a loved one, encouraging them to seek treatment is the first step in helping them. Talk to them about your concerns with their behavior and explain to them that there are treatments available that will help them to overcome their symptoms and that there are other medical conditions that can be the cause as well and a medical examination should be done to rule them out.

Offer to help them by making the appointment and to go with them on the first visit. Help them to make a list of their symptoms and questions that can be asked of the physician. In severe cases of depression an individual may have suicidal thoughts or tendencies in which case emergency medical help should be obtained. 

Providing Support 

There are numerous ways to provide support to a loved one with depression. Let them know that you are their and ready to listen when they feel the need to talk about their illness or symptoms and listen attentively without diminishing or disparaging their feelings. The majority of people with depression often have feelings of worthlessness or not being "good enough".

Give them positive reinforcement by complimenting them and reminding them of all of their good qualities and what they mean to you and how much you love them. Make plans with them for leisure activities such as going for a walk, out to dinner, or a movie, however, do not try and force them if he or she is unwillingly to do something. 

Treatment is an essential part of overcoming depression. You can help your loved one by reminding them when to take their medication and help them to keep any scheduled therapy appointments. You can also help a loved one by trying to keep an environment that is as stress free as possible by helping to create a routine with scheduled times for meals, sleep, medications, exercise, and tasks.

 Offer to help them with everyday chores such as grocery shopping, lawn maintenance, laundry, or other small tasks that they may need done. It is also essential if you are a caregiver of someone with depression that you take care of yourself as well. Caring for someone with depression can be an extremely stressful situation and it can be beneficial to you if you put together a support group of other friends or family members who are willing to help as well or finding a support group for caregivers of individuals with depression.