How to Help Someone With Depression
If you suspect your loved one may be depressed, the first step to take is to listen without judgment. This is the most important part of beginning your help. “Being able to listen is the most essential step of beginning to help,” says Ole Thienhaus, professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. If you notice a depressive mood or behavior, try to make the situation as comfortable as possible for your loved one.
What Are The Signs Of Depression
If you suffer from chronic fatigue, lack of energy, and low motivation, it could mean you are suffering from depression. The symptoms of this condition can worsen over time and affect your life. The symptoms of depression can interfere with your ability to work and maintain relationships. However, it is possible to treat depression with appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, medication may be used, including antidepressants and anxiolytics. Other physical symptoms of depression include listless eyes, hunched posture, and loss of appetite. People suffering from depression also tend to have crying spells, low self-esteem, and feelings of pessimistic rage and blame.
Symptoms of depression include loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed, and a persistently sad mood. Men and younger people are especially vulnerable to depression, as these symptoms tend to be accompanied by irritability. Another sign of depression is a change in sleep patterns. People with depression often need more sleep than normal, but they wake up feeling unrefreshed. Weight loss and trembling are common physical symptoms of depression. Many people also experience an increase in appetite, which leads to feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
What Are The Symptoms Of Depression
Some people experience fatigue and difficulty performing their normal daily activities, which are often a sign of depression. They feel hopeless and worthless, which can lead to other symptoms, such as increased irritability and a low sense of self-worth. They may have trouble letting go of past mistakes, become preoccupied with mistakes, and personalize trivial events. These symptoms may be caused by a number of factors, including hormonal changes, and can make it difficult to recognize the early warning signs of depression.
Physical illness or injury, especially chronic and long-term illnesses that affect your lifestyle, can cause depression. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication for depression as part of your overall treatment, and will discuss the symptoms with you if you’re concerned. Mental health problems can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, menstrual cycles, and low blood sugar, among other things. A doctor can give you a detailed diagnosis by looking at all of these factors.
How To Support Somone With Depression
You may be wondering, “How can I support someone with depression?” This can be a difficult topic to broach because there is often a sense of stigma attached to mental illness. You should know that about 4.7% of adults in the U.S. suffer from depression. And according to Mental Health America, that number will rise to 4.9% by 2021. But there are ways to help them feel better, even if you don’t know what their struggles are.
Firstly, try to understand the condition of the person you’re supporting. Depression is a serious illness that interferes with everyday life. Not only does it affect the person suffering from it, but it affects the people around him or her as well. It can make everyday tasks seem impossible, and you should be supportive and understanding of this. Here are some tips on how to support someone with depression:
How to talk to someone about depression
Dealing with someone suffering from depression can be a daunting task. Having depression is often accompanied by feelings of frustration, helplessness, and fatigue. It’s important to know the difference between feeling down in the dumps and dealing with a serious mental health issue. Experts like April Thames, an associate professor of psychology and psychiatry at Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, have some tips for how to talk to someone suffering from depression.
Acknowledging that a person is depressed is a good way to show that you care about their feelings. If you’re not sure how to approach someone suffering from depression, you can try to listen to what they have to say instead of judging them. Acknowledging their feelings is also comforting. By acknowledging their condition, you’re showing them that they’re being seen, and that they’re not alone.
Encouraging the person to get help with their depression
You can encourage the person with depression to seek help by listening to them. If possible, try not to judge their response or fill in the blanks. Instead, ask a few open-ended questions to gauge how they are feeling and what they might need. Encourage the person with depression to get help in whatever way they need and want. It’s important to remember that no single method of communication works for every situation, so consider your friend’s specific situation and try to be patient.
While professional therapy or medical evaluation is the first step, you can help the person with depression by recommending helpful books, resources, or online tools. Don’t give the person with depression more tasks or to-dos than they can handle right now. Instead, offer to go to a therapy appointment with them if that helps them. If this isn’t possible, be sure to find a way to make these resources available to the person with depression.
