Depression is a serious disorder that can keep someone who is struggling with it from feeling like they have a way out. You can really help your loved one because your support and encouragement can play a big role in getting them the recovery that they may need. Someone with depression can feel all alone, but with your reinforcement, you can aid in their recovery.
Educate yourself
With anything, the more you know the better your chances are of being able to help someone in need. Get on a few depression websites that so you can familiarize yourself with the disorder to be able to relate to your loved one from a informed angle.
Recognize the symptoms of depression
If you can observe the symptoms of depression in your loved one, you can offer the support and solution they need in a timely manner. A person who is depressed may act out in anger, but try not to take it personally because it is mostly likely just the depression acting out.
Facilitate a treatment program
You may not be able to convince someone to go to treatment, but at least you can plant the seed and have all the information readily available if they do become willing. Feel free to contact the staff at the treatment program to ask any questions you may have.
Support them
You alone cannot change the status of their depression, so just being there for them during a painful and possibly debilitating time is the best thing you can do for them. Instead of trying to change them, you can be remembered as a soft place to fall.
Be compassionate
Rendering advice or minimizing their disorder are things that will just push them away from you. Judging or criticize them will also ostracize you from being helpful in their recovery. Being understanding and patient during their time of need can be a more useful way to get them to open up to you.
Take suicide threats seriously
Someone with depression has an increased risk of suicide. Once your loved one feels severely depressed, you should be prepared that suicidal thoughts or behavior can arise. Take them seriously and act immediately. It is not worth the chance of losing someone you love because you may think they are being overly dramatic.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at: 1-800-273-8255
Text 741-741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis
