How to Help Your Loved One With Depression?

Depression is a severe issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can disrupt their day-to-day lives and cause immense emotional distress. However, with proper support and intervention, people can start the journey towards recovery and improve their well-being. It is vital to provide sympathetic understanding and effective therapy treatment to everyone dealing with depression, as it can have a significant impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Supporting a person who is struggling with depression can be a difficult and emotionally exhausting experience. Recent data from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that in the United States alone, approximately 21 million adults have experienced at least one major depressive episode, making it a widespread issue affecting a significant portion of the population.

If you are concerned about the mental health of someone you care about, it is essential to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of depression. Encouraging and guiding them to seek help from a professional is crucial. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we provide evidence-based depression treatment programs for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our support is comprehensive and tailored to meet each person’s individual needs.

Your loved one’s recovery journey requires your persistent support and understanding. Here are some ways you can provide meaningful assistance:

Most Common Types of Depression

Many people often misunderstand depression and think that it is easy to overcome by thinking positive thoughts or just letting go of it as if it were something in your mind. However, depression is a disease that affects different people in different ways. Depression is a severe illness that can take many forms and needs to be treated.

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Postpartum Depression
• Psychotic Depression
• Situational Depression

Recognizing Symptoms of Depression in a Loved One

Not everyone with depression shows the same symptoms, but some of the main ones are listed below. You may identify some or all of these in your loved one. If you notice any of the following symptoms in someone you know, they may be struggling with depression:

• They appear sadder or more tearful than usual.
• They seem more pessimistic than usual, or hopeless about the future.
• They talk about feeling guilty, empty, or worthless more often than usual.
• They seem less interested in spending time together, or communicating less frequently than they normally would.
• They get upset easily, or seem unusually irritable.
• They have less energy than usual, move slowly, or seem generally listless.
• They have less interest in their appearance than usual, or neglect basic hygiene, such as showering and brushing their teeth.
• They have trouble sleeping, or sleep much more than usual.
• They care less about their usual activities and interests.
• They experience forgetfulness more often, or have trouble concentrating or deciding on things.
• They eat more or less than usual.
• They talk about death or suicide.

How to Support a Loved One Who Is Struggling with Depression

To best support your loved one struggling with mental health issues, it’s essential to recognize that responses driven by misunderstandings can be harmful and perpetuate stigmas surrounding mental health. Stigma is one of the biggest obstacles for individuals seeking the required help. People with depression may hide their struggles instead of seeking help due to shame.

• Initiate a conversation with someone who may be dealing with mental illness.
• Help them in finding the necessary support to manage their mental health condition.
• Encourage them to continue therapy and offer support in whatever way possible.
• Offer to help with day-to-day tasks as these can feel overwhelming to someone dealing with depression.
• Listen to them without any judgment and remind them that their mental distress is not a choice or character flaw but an illness.
• Offer practical help with household chores and other tasks.
• Remind them of their worth and value, even if they may not believe it.
• Plan self-care routines that feel manageable and help them in feeling better.
• If they are a person of faith, help them reconnect or connect more often with their faith group by attending services or speaking with their clergy members.

Encouraging your loved one to explore advanced care options can be highly beneficial, even if they’re already in therapy. Short-term inpatient programs or intensive outpatient treatments offer added support for depression.

If you or a loved one is seeking help for depression, embark on your journey to healing by joining our Depression Treatment Program at Greater Boston Addiction Centers. Our team specializes in evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy, finely tuned to address depression effectively. We’re well-versed in handling co-occurring disorders and will guide both you and your loved one through available options.

Reach out to us at 877.926.3034 or contact online via form to connect with our empathetic team. We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way towards recovery.