Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person's ability to function at work and at home.
Signs and SymptomsSymptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and can include
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite - weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (actions observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Common Ways to Help Someone with Depression
Listen Without Judgment
One of the most important things you can do is to listen. Be a supportive listener, letting the person share their feelings without fear of judgment.
Encourage Treatment
Gently encourage the person to seek professional help. Depression is a medical condition that can be treated with a combination of therapy and medication.
Be Patient
Understand that recovery from depression doesn't happen overnight. Be patient and supportive throughout the process.
Stay Informed
Learn about depression to better understand what the person is going through. This knowledge can help you provide the right kind of support.
Offer Help with Daily Tasks
Depression can make everyday tasks overwhelming. Offering help with these tasks can relieve some of the pressure.
Avoid Criticism
It's crucial to avoid blaming the person for feeling depressed. Depression is a medical condition, not a weakness.
Encourage Physical Health
Physical health can impact mental health. Encourage activities that promote physical well-being, such as eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising.
Check-in Regularly
Regular check-ins can help you gauge how the person is doing and remind them that you care.
Protect Your Own Mental Health
Supporting someone with depression can be draining. It’s important to set boundaries and take care of your own mental health as well.
Conclusion
Supporting someone with depression requires compassion, patience, and understanding. While you can offer support, it’s important to encourage the person to seek professional help. Depression is a treatable condition, and with the right approach, individuals can recover and lead fulfilling lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it's important to seek help from a healthcare professional. There are many resources available to those who need them.