How to Help Someone With Depression
If you care for someone who is suffering from depression, you may be wondering how to help them. You may feel confused and overwhelmed, but the best thing you can do is educate yourself about this condition and try to find ways to support them. Social support is important in keeping people mentally healthy and protects them from depression. Even the simple act of letting someone know you care can be a major step. Read on to learn how to help someone with depression.
What Are The Signs Of Depression
Some of the physical symptoms of depression are difficulty waking up in the morning. In addition, it can be difficult to make plans and manage your daily activities. People who suffer from depression have difficulty coping with their daily tasks and have trouble adjusting to life’s stresses. The symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe. A medical professional can help you determine if you are suffering from depression. There are no specific tests that can diagnose depression, but using an app such as Ada can help you identify these symptoms.
Although some of these symptoms are normal, it is important to note that a person may be experiencing more than one of them. Although many people experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in life’s activities, some may be more severe. These symptoms can persist for weeks or months, interfering with work and social activities. Some people may not be aware of their depression until it becomes severe enough to interfere with their lives.
What Are The Symptoms Of Depression
Not all people experience the same symptoms of depression. Some only experience a few and others have a plethora of them. For depression to be considered major, the person must have all the symptoms for at least two weeks. Subsyndromal depression is a form of the illness characterized by a few severe symptoms. Symptoms will vary based on the severity, frequency, and stage of the illness. Depressive disorders affect one in every ten people, both men and women. One in four children in the United Kingdom are depressed. However, with proper support, the majority of people will be able to recover from this illness.
While most people experience sadness, loneliness, and even depression at times, the overwhelming emotions that come with depression can lead to physical symptoms. In the worst case scenario, a person may feel so depressed that they even consider suicide. These thoughts can be extremely frightening and difficult to handle. Some people with depression find it difficult to talk about their condition and may isolate themselves. This can lead to a life full of anxiety, sadness, and hopelessness.
How To Support Somone With Depression
If you’re caring for someone with depression, you know that the emotional toll can be intense. This is why you should practice regular self-care to keep yourself healthy and able to provide support to your loved one. The following are ways to support someone suffering from depression without burning out yourself. They may be unable to ask for help, so remember to set clear boundaries. Learn as much as you can about the disorder to help them get better.
When offering to help, keep in mind that the person you’re helping may need help getting to appointments for therapy or other treatment. Because the stigma of mental illness can prevent someone from going to the doctor, it’s crucial that you match your language to their level of ability. You may also consider offering to attend the patient’s therapy appointment yourself. This will allow your loved one to hear directly from a mental health provider.
How to talk to someone about depression
If you’ve ever felt alone or depressed, you’ve probably wondered how to talk to someone with depression. There’s no shame in reaching out to friends and family – despite the fact that you may not know what to say. If you don’t know where to start, there are a few tips from comedian and storyteller Bill Bernat. You may find one of these tips useful, or you might want to try a different approach.
First, try to make the person feel that you care. Sometimes people with depression need just a little encouragement and love, and talking about it can help them feel less alone. It doesn’t have to be drastic, but a phone call in the morning or a meal together can go a long way. If possible, try to avoid giving advice or suggesting solutions that you’re not sure will help. They may feel uncomfortable with this and may feel judged.
Encouraging the person to get help with their depression
If you notice the person with depression is not getting much help from family or friends, you should consider seeking professional help for your own health. People with depression may not be willing to seek help because of the stigma associated with mental health conditions. However, many people are willing to seek medical care if they notice symptoms, such as pain or fatigue. You can suggest a doctor’s referral if you notice that the person is not getting the best quality of life.
Getting help for yourself is important too, if you want to make your loved one feel better. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a flaw. Unlike a cold or flu, depression is caused by shared environmental and genetic factors. Both the person with depression and the person who is caring for them may be suffering from depression. If the person with depression has told you they are feeling down, acknowledge their feelings and seek professional help if necessary. Consider joining a support group for caretakers. Then, you can vent your frustrations to others and help them feel better.
