Tuesday, April 23, 2024

How To Ask Someone For Help With Depression

What Are You Eating These Days

How to Help Someone With Depression or Anxiety

Recent research identifies the physiological causes of depression as sometimes originating in the gut.

Serotonin is one of the chemicals that gives people a relaxed and happy feeling. Ninety-five percent of your serotonin is located in your gut, the rest in the brain. So when your gut is happy and healthy, so are you.

If your friend is eating a lot of sweets and carbs, this can wreck their gut, encouraging bad bacteria to overtake the good bacteria like lactobacillus or bifidus strains. Scientists have found that overgrowth of bad gut bacteria actually directs negative behaviors, urging you to eat more unhealthy food so the bad bacteria gets fed. When this happens you feel awful, resulting not only in gut issues, but potentially depression as well. The unhealthy environment in your loved one’s gut may be adding to their depression.

Seeking Help With Depression

According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 7.1% of adults in the US or 17.3 million American adults have experienced at least one episode of major depression in a year. Moreover, the World Health Organization reports that more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression across the world. It is believed that around 15% of all adults are likely to experience depression once in their life. However, 35% of individuals suffering from depression do not receive any treatment.

According to Vineeth John, MD, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Depression does not come on all at once, so it can be hard for someone with depression to recognize that they need help.

Struggling with depression? Read Ways To Fight Depression: 4 Sure-Fire Things You Can Do Right Now

This is why it is crucial that you reach out for help if you feel depression is making you mentally crippled. But its easier said than done. If you keep thinking about how others might feel or what they might think about you, then you will never be able to get the help you need.

The more you delay telling someone about your depressive condition, the more likely it is that you will never muster the courage to tell someone.

When you tell someone that you need help with depression, they will be concerned about you and will extend a helping hand instead of judging you. That is what loved ones are there for.

To Keep In Mind When Helping A Depressed Person

Cognitive distortions

When helping someone with depression, it can be useful to understand how depression changes thought processes. Depressed people usually suffer from what psychologists call cognitive distortions. It means that depressed people see things in a negative light. For example, if a work project is put on hold because of budget cuts, a depressed employee may assume its because she wasnt good enough at her job. If you need to cancel dinner plans with a depressed person, he may immediately assume its because you dont enjoy spending time with him. So, the depressed person may instinctively distort what you are saying, making communication more difficult. When talking to a depressed person, you need to be extra careful to make sure there are no misunderstandings. Dont make room for fantasies or interpretations. Keep this in mind as you read the rest of the article. The next section will give you general advice on how to help someone with depression. Later on, youll be presented with practical tips on how to behave in a conversation with a depressed friend, partner or relative and what to do when your help is rejected.

Read Also: Can Depression Cause Panic Attacks

Depression And Also Self

For instance, heart disease can result in depression and the other way around. The info on this site need to not be used as a substitute for specialist medical care or advice. Get in touch with a healthcare carrier if you have inquiries about how to ask someone about their depression your health. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you just how to eliminate off unfavorable thoughts. You learn exactly how to come to be much more aware of your signs and also how to detect things that make your depression even worse.

Why Depression Treatment Makes The Difference In Your Mood And Your Life

How To Ask Someone For Help With Depression 2022

Depression doesnt usually just hit you all at once all of a sudden. It tends to come on gradually. But it can build and overwhelm you before youre really aware of it. And depressive disorders are composed of imbalances within you that you cant simply rebalance on your own. So, the sooner you access comprehensive depression treatment, the sooner youll be back on an empowering path, living the life you really want.

Depression is fairly common, and the treatment options have become very accessible and effective in response. One of the best options for well-rounded and compassionate care is an inpatient treatment center. Here, clinicians can oversee a wide range of care approaches, including medication, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and other holistic therapies as well. This kind of immersive treatment goes well beyond the relief of symptoms to empower you with coping skills and the ability to thrive. Your progress may be gradual, but your hope will grow as you discover the scope and depth of support available to you.

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Want To Talk I’m Here To Listen

Asking questions about the reasons someone feels depressed is a start, but often, what someone needs most isn’t your help finding the cause, but rather it’s your presence they need most.

Imagine someone in a deep dark hole, sluggish, not much energy physically or emotionally, not much motivation to change things. Stuck.

What do they need the most? Imagine it’s you suffering from depression. What would you want?

A willing, caring, non-judgmental ear. Someone to listen so you can pour out your troubles without necessarily wanting advice.

If your loved one can’t even bear to talk, ask if you can just sit with them. Or, if they prefer to be alone, you can say, “I’m here when you’re ready.”

It’s helpful to put yourself in their shoes without joining them in their pain. Being sad with them won’t help either of you.

While you’re at it, ask yourself some questions, too:

Do you need them to answer your questions because you’re worried and you want to get them out of their space, so you’ll feel better?

If so, take a breath, and back off while you wait with them. Try to restrain yourself from giving advice that’s not asked for or peppering them with a lot of questions. That will probably turn them off and push them away from you.

What’s Been Going On In Your Life Lately

In addition to physical origins of depression, sometimes life brings environmental challenges that get a person down. Something happens and instead of grieving, they can become depressed.

Asking this type of question might help draw out any circumstantial problems that could be contributing to their pain, like the death of a loved one, problems at work, or money issues.

RELATED: 35 Quotes That Perfectly Explain What Depression Really Feels Like

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Injured In An Accident Let Us Help

If you have been injured, you need to contact an attorney. Regardless of whether the accident or injury seems minor, contacting an attorney early in the process can prove beneficial. The earlier an attorney is involved, the earlier he can start to investigate your claim, obtain pictures and other evidence, interview witnesses, and build the case before these important aspects of the case dissipate. As witnesses often move and evidence sometimes gets destroyed, you should contact Merritt & Merritt Law Firm immediately so that one of our attorneys can get started on your case today.

How To Talk With Someone Experiencing Depression

How to Help Someone with Depression

Words are powerful tools not just what you say, but also how you say it.

When you speak with a loved one about depression, using a neutral, supportive tone can help you prevent your questions or statements from sounding accusatory or condescending.

If youre not sure how to express what youre thinking, you may find it helpful to write it down first.

Body language may also play a role in supportive communication. For example, nodding and making eye contact can show the person that they have your full attention.

Your loved one may not open up fully about what theyre experiencing. If youve established a calm and positive conversation, you might get additional insight through Ive noticed statements.

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Its a good idea to avoid opinionated or leading statements that imply your loved one has control over their depression or is somehow choosing to remain in a depressive state.

Someone living with depression is often grateful for what they have. They may know it could be worse.

Most likely, your person desperately wants to be relieved of their feelings of emptiness and despair, but no matter how happy they might try to be, those feelings wont go away.

Recommended Reading: Can Depression Go Away By Itself

Take Talks About Suicide And Dying Seriously

This might be hard for you to believe about your loved one, but too many depressed people think about death and suicide.

Depression clouds your judgment and leaves you thinking of no other way out. If your loved one is depressed, suicide is a real concern.

Pay attention to the following warning signs:

  • Talking about death, dying, suicide or harming oneself
  • Expressing feelings of self-hate and hopelessness
  • Acting in dangerous ways
  • Getting affairs in order or saying goodbye

If you think your loved one is thinking about suicide, talk to him or her right away. Talking openly about suicide could save someones life.

If you still have concerns after talking to your loved one, seek out professional help immediately. You can take that person to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you think the threat of self-harm is imminent.

You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK, and they will direct you in how to proceed in getting help for your loved one. This hotline offers free assistance and is available 24 hours day, 365 days a year.

Why Are We A Great Personal Injury Lawyer

Thats a weird sentence, right? Why are we a good personal injury lawyer But Ill tell you the reason. Each one of us has been trained to be a legal advocate on your behalf. We are each a great personal injury attorney and will handle your case with respect and we will work on it fast.

So I invite yourself to ask these following questions and if we fit the bill, then call us immediately.

Have You Been Injured?

Whether it is a slip/fall or an auto accident or even a dog bite or other injury, there are options to get it taken care of. Thats why we all have insurance, right?

Do You Need A Lawyer?

Youve received a settlement offer from an insurance company and feel like you dont need a lawyer. The company wants to pay as little as possible. Call us before you accept a low offer.

When To Call A Lawyer?

Also Check: Residential Treatment Programs For Teenage Depression

Educate Yourself About Depression

If you want to seek help with depression, then you need to see it for what it is a mental illness. The more you educate yourself and learn about depression and the feelings associated with it, the better you will be able to explain when asking for help with depression. Conduct some research online or read some books on depression and equip yourself with the necessary knowledge. The more you learn, the better you will be able to cope with it and also learn about some self-help strategies as well.

Want some self-help tips? Read Seven Ways To Deal With Depression

Get Help From A Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer

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Our law firm has been trusted by thousands of clients involved in car accidents, motorcycle wrecks, and 18 wheeler accidents all across the state of Georgia. Our attorneys go the distance to make sure injury claims are handled quickly and professionally so that our clients can focus on recovery. Put our legal expertise to work for you.

If youve been injured in an accident caused by someone elses negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensations. You have the right to seek a fair settlement for the losses you have experienced through a personal injury case. But often, there are several questions and concerns that arise:

  • How do I file a claim?
  • How will I pay my medical bills?
  • Should I talk to an insurance company?
  • Who will pay for lost wages?
  • Should I negotiate my own claim?
  • How long will the case take?
  • How do I get medical care?

At The Kenneth S. Nugent, P.C. Law Firm, we have many years of experience handling these types of personal injury claims. Each day, we go up against the insurance companies and their adjusters the people that are hired and trained to minimize claims and pay as little as possible. Dont settle for less by attempting to battle the insurance companies on your own.

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Read Also: Depression Making It Hard To Work

Im Really Sorry Youre Going Through This Im Here For You If You Need Me

The fact is, theres no perfect thing to say to someone living with depression. Your words wont cure them. But they can help.

Reminding someone that youre there for them whenever they need you whether thats in the form of help with a small task or someone to call in a crisis can be so essential to saving a life.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there are three categories of suicide warning signs to look out for:

Should I Give A Recorded Statement To The Insurance Company

It is never wise to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. You should always speak with an attorney before speaking with an insurance company. Insurance adjusters will often record you without consent so its recommended not to speak with them at all. Adjusters are trained professionals they know exactly what questions to ask you and which statements to make to get your agreement but which will later damage your case. Call us now for a free consultation.

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The Risk Of Suicide Is Real

What to do in a crisis situation

If you believe your loved one is at an immediate risk for suicide, do NOT leave them alone.

In the U.S., dial 911 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

In other countries, call your countrys emergency services number or visit IASP to find a suicide prevention helpline.

It may be hard to believe that the person you know and love would ever consider something as drastic as suicide, but a depressed person may not see any other way out. Depression clouds judgment and distorts thinking, causing a normally rational person to believe that death is the only way to end the pain theyre feeling.

Since suicide is a very real danger when someone is depressed, its important to know the warning signs:

  • Talking about suicide, dying, or harming oneself a preoccupation with death
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness or self-hate
  • Acting in dangerous or self-destructive ways
  • Getting affairs in order and saying goodbye
  • Seeking out pills, weapons, or other lethal objects
  • A sudden sense of calm after depression

If you think a friend or family member might be considering suicide, dont wait, talk to them about your concerns. Many people feel uncomfortable bringing up the topic but it is one of the best things you can do for someone who is thinking about suicide. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a persons life, so speak up if youre concerned and seek professional help immediately!

S To Deal With Depression

How to Help a Depressed Friend Questions to Ask

In regards to non-medication tools, electroconvulsive treatment, also called shock therapy, is probably the most effective type of therapy for extreme or psychotic depressive episodes. Lately, a treatment called reverse transcranial magnetic excitement has actually how to ask someone for help with depression built up some evidence for efficiency in depression. However, there are factors to be cautious when prescribing St Johns wort, as it has actually been found to have significant communications with a few other medications.

The World Health and wellness Company has actually stated depression to be the leading source of impairment worldwide. Depression results in a consistent state of sadness how to ask someone for help with depression or loss of passion or pleasure that hinders an individuals ideas, habits, mood, and also physical health and wellness.

Also Check: Tired All The Time But Not Depressed

How To Talk To Someone About Depression

Sometimes it is hard to know what to say when speaking to someone about depression. You might fear that if you bring up your worries the person will get angry, feel insulted, or ignore your concerns. You may be unsure what questions to ask or how to be supportive.

If you dont know where to start, the following suggestions may help. But remember that being a compassionate listener is much more important than giving advice. You dont have to try to fix your friend or family member you just have to be a good listener. Often, the simple act of talking face to face can be an enormous help to someone suffering from depression. Encourage the depressed person to talk about their feelings, and be willing to listen without judgment.

Dont expect a single conversation to be the end of it. Depressed people tend to withdraw from others and isolate themselves. You may need to express your concern and willingness to listen over and over again. Be gentle, yet persistent.

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