What You Can Do To Help Them Get Help
You are not solely responsible for your friends recovery. Someone with major depression needs professional help in order to feel better, which includes a medical professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
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You cant control their path to wellness, and you cant force them to go to a medical professional, but what you can do is to make that first visit as easy as possible for them. Do the research for them to find help that they can afford, gather recommendations, or be there for them while they call to set up that initial appointment. You could even go with them to that first meeting if youre both comfortable with it.
Getting a professional involved is a big step in the right direction, so do your best to support, help, and be there for them during this process.
How Can I Take Care Of Myself
Once you begin treatment, you should gradually start to feel better. Go easy on yourself during this time. Try to do things you used to enjoy. Even if you dont feel like doing them, they can improve your mood. Other things that may help:
- Try to get some physical activity. Just 30 minutes a day of walking can boost mood.
- Try to maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time.
- Eat regular, healthy meals.
- Do what you can as you can. Decide what must get done and what can wait.
- Try to connect with other people, and talk with people you trust about how you are feeling.
- Postpone important life decisions until you feel better.
- Avoid using alcohol, nicotine, or drugs, including medications not prescribed for you.
How Is Depression Treated
Depression treatment typically involves medication, psychotherapy, or both. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, brain stimulation therapy may be another treatment option. In milder cases of depression, treatment might begin with psychotherapy alone, and medication added if the individual continues to experience symptoms. For moderate or severe depression, many mental health professionals recommend a combination of medication and therapy at the start of treatment.
Choosing the right treatment plan should be based on a persons individual needs and medical situation under a providers care. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best for you. You can learn more about the different types of treatment, including psychotherapy, medication, and brain stimulation therapies on the NIMH’s depression webpage. For information on finding a mental health professional and questions to ask when considering therapy, visit NIMHs psychotherapies webpage.
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Finding The Right Kind Of Doctor For Your Depression
To make sure you find a doctor or therapist who will place you on the right track for depression management, use this checklist:
1. Choose someone who can provide the desired services.
2. Make sure that a strong relationship is felt.
3. Find out about the approach to therapy for the client.
4. Find a collaborative plan for your goals.
5. Look for someone who is going to challenge you.
6. Seeking someone with a direct approach to treatment.
7. Expect homework.
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Offer To Help Them Plan For Their First Therapy Visit
It can be helpful to go into an initial therapy appointment with talking points written down. Otherwise, in the stress of the moment can get in the way of a productive session. The person may forget what they were going to say or draw a blank when they are asked about their symptoms. Let your loved one know that you’re available to sit down with them and write it all out beforehand. If they decline your offer, respect their privacy!
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What Will My Doctor Do For Me
You might not feel comfortable talking to your doctor about any mental or emotional problems you are having. But your doctor can help you. He or she can:
- Ask you questions about your thoughts and feelings that might help you better understand what you are going through.
- Give you reassurance that you arent crazy but have a medical problem.
- Tell you what kinds of support are available, such as counseling.
- Offer you medicine, if its appropriate.
- Recommend lifestyle changes that can help improve your mental health, such as exercise.
- Refer you to a specialist, if they think that would be more helpful.
- See you at follow-up appointments to monitor how you are doing and how you are responding to treatment.
Develop A Healthy Environment
Along with genetic links, environmental factors are alsoknown to influence depression. Working at a job where you dont feel valued,having stressful interactions at home or living in a dangerous neighborhood canall contribute to the disorder.
While you may not be able to fix major problems, there aresmall changes you can make that could contribute to a healthier environment. Considerorganizing and cleaning around the house to reduce dust and clutter. If youhave the time and resources, a new coat of paint in a room where they spend alot of time could go a long way, and bringing over fresh flowers is a simpleway to brighten their space as well. It can be hard for people struggling withdepression to leave their home daily. Making home a place that brings them joyand feels fresh is a huge step.
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Dont Try To Cheer Them Up All The Time
This is one of the worst things you can do because it invalidates their feelings and makes them feel like theyre not allowed to be sad or down in the first place! Its important to let your loved ones know that its okay to feel however theyre feeling, without any pressure from you to change how theyre feeling.
What Are The Warning Signs Of Depression In A Family Member
Every person is unique, and the way depression affects each individual is different. However, there are several common warning signs that a loved one is suffering with this silent illness. If you notice a family member or friend has any of these symptoms especially if they have more than one and seem to be experiencing them for longer than two weeks they may have a serious mental health condition that should be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
Extreme feelings. Sadness, anger, fear, loneliness, and guilt are all classic signs of depression, especially if they dont seem to have a root cause. For example, if your loved one hasnt had any major life changes recently but seems upset all the time, they may have a mental health issue. Even bouts of euphoria can indicate a problem, because some types of depression are characterized by periods of extreme joy followed by incredible lows. Children and teenagers with depression often display these symptoms, and although their constantly-changing bodies and minds sometimes play a role, dont ignore these signs if they seem severe or out of the ordinary.
Disinterest. Just as troubling as severe low feelings is being numb to the world around you. Someone who seems to have lost the interest or motivation to participate in parts of their life they used to enjoy may be in trouble.
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Get Help From A Mental Health Provider
If youve tried everything else and your loved one still hasnt gotten better, then it might be a good idea to ask for professional help from a mental health professional. Suppose they have agreed to see someone about their depression but arent taking any of the steps that need to be taken to get better .
In that case, this is an indicator that something more serious might be going on, such as a mental illness or maybe even obsessive-compulsive disorder. In these cases, its best if somebody close to them takes charge by forcing them into getting the treatment they need.
Dont Let Them Ignore Or Isolate Themselves From Others
This could also cause problems well because isolation makes us more vulnerable to other psychological issues such as anxiety disorders and PTSD. If we dont have anybody around us who understands what were going through, then it becomes much easier for these kinds of thoughts to take root in our minds.
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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.
What To Do If Your Loved One Struggles With Depression Gallery
Watching a loved one struggle with depression can be difficult. Depression can take people away from their hobbies, cause trouble in personal relationships, and complicate daily life. While watching this person struggle, you may feel helpless or wonder what you should do. Though you won’t be able to solve their depression completely, there are things that you can do to help.
The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but the condition often involves prolonged periods of time wherein the person feels excessive sadness and lacks energy. Depression can interfere with sleep, appetite, and interest in normal activities such as hobbies or work.
A person with depression does feel sadness, but it’s much more than just feeling sad. Depression is a legitimate mental health condition it’s outside of the person’s control. It can be tempting to blame the person when they can’t shake their symptoms, but it’s important to understand that they can’t “just cheer up.” Depression affects the body and the brain on a chemical level it’s not a typical bout of sadness they’re experiencing. To take care of your loved one struggling with depression, here’s what you should do.
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First Things First: Do They Have Clinical Depression
Sadness, just like happiness, is a reaction and can be a state of mind. Depression, though, starts in the synapses of the brain and affects hormones.
Depression doesnt ease up. It goes beyond feeling sad and isnt necessarily tied to a preceding circumstance, like sadness sometimes is. Depression has definitive symptoms, causing body and brain changes, that others can sometimes see.
Learn The Symptoms Of Depression
Depression signs and symptoms vary from person to person. They can include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness.
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports.
- Insomnia or sleeping too much.
- Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort.
- Changes in appetite reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain.
- Anxiety, agitation or restlessness.
- Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or taking unnecessary blame for things.
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things.
- Frequent or recurrent mention of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide.
For many with depression, symptoms can be severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Others may generally feel miserable or unhappy without knowing why.
Children and teens may show depression by being irritable or cranky rather than sad. Clinical depression doesn’t require profound sadness. Rather it can be lack of positive emotion instead of intensely negative feelings.
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Where Can I Find Clinical Trials For Depression
Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so others may receive better help in the future.
Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health and around the country conduct many studies with patients and healthy volunteers. Talk to your health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit NIMH’s clinical trials information.
Make Getting To That First Appointment As Easy As Possible
You alone cannot fix this problem, no matter how patient and loving you are. A severely depressed friend needs professional assistance from a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker or another medical professional.
Yeah, you know. Youve told your boyfriend this, but its been months or maybe even years and he still has not set anything up.
You cant control someone elses recovery, said Kimberly Williams, president and chief executive of theMental Health Association of New York City. But you can try to make getting to that first appointment as easy as possible.
That might mean sitting next to your friend as he calls to make the appointment, finding counseling that he can afford, or even going with him that first time, if youre comfortable with it.
What if youre not sure whether you should start with a therapist or a psychiatrist, or whether youve found the perfect person? Ask around for recommendations, and know that one practitioner may ultimately lead to another.
But dont overthink it. The key initially is just getting a professional involved so you are not the only person managing this situation.
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What To Do When A Loved One Is Severely Depressed
There are no easy answers for helping someone struggling with depression, especially if youve already tried and tried. Here are some tips from experts.
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Reports of Kate Spades suicide and struggle with depression instantly transformed her from symbol of polished prep to a blunt reminder that suffering affects all types. Three days later we woke to the news that another beloved figure, Anthony Bourdain, had taken his life.
These two tragedies have inspired hundreds to tweet some version of the same message: Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.
But deep in the comment threads, some have also been debating a more uncomfortable question: What do you do when a friend is depressed for such a long time that youve started to feel that that nothing you can do will make a difference, and your empathy reserves are tapped out? There are no easy answers. But here are some tips from experts:
Can You Think Of Anything Contributing To What Youre Experiencing
This can be a very gentle way of allowing your loved one to arrive at their own conclusions for why theyre experiencing a depressive episode. It lets them have their revelation on their terms without any leading or presumptive remarks.
This might also be a good time to ask whether theyd like to talk with a mental health professional.
Just dont push or ask about sensitive experiences that may make your loved one feel exposed, or anxious to come up with something.
For most people, its not one thing that triggers a depressive episode. There are many triggers or reasons that cause or worsen depression.
And remember, for many people, theres nothing tangible that can explain why they feel the way they feel, and thats OK.
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Assist Them With Living A Healthier Lifestyle
Lifestyle can play a big role in the manifestation of depression. In fact, both diet and exercise are two scientifically proven ways to reduce depressive symptoms.
Try to help your loved one be active at least three times a week. This is obviously tough when they have low energy levels, so start with something simple, like a walk around the block. Once they build up to it, see if theyll join you at the gym or a fitness class.
Getting a loved one to eat healthier may be slightly easier if you do the meal prep and cooking for them. The best diets for depression are often Mediterranean-based. This means you should try to feed your loved one plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and fish. Stay away from processed foods, carbs, and sugars.
Extending Support For Patients With Depression
If youd like to help others strugglingwith depression on a larger scale, consider a behavioral health degree. Thoseholding a bachelors degree in behavioral health can work in hospitals,rehabilitation center, assistance programs and more to help those dealing withmental illness.
Alvernia University offers an online addictions and mental health treatment degree. Balance education and a busy life through Alvernia Universitys flexible online programs. Develop skills needed to succeed as a professional and learn from knowledgeable faculty in small class sizes.
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How To Help When Your Loved One Is Depressed
As a caregiver, youre in a unique position to spot mood changes and to intervene.
Kerstin Yoder, LISWS, is a Social Worker/Group Coordinator with Behavioral Health Services at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging.
You are on the frontlines when youre the primary caregiver to your loved one. As the point-person for day-to-day care needs, you are central to maintaining his or her physical and emotional well-being. That means that youre probably the first person to spot any signs of health changes, including indications that your loved one may be depressed. If so, there is much you can do to help. The first step is to understand and recognize the signs of depression.
Signs of depression
It is important to become familiar with how depression presents, especially among older adults. There is a common misunderstanding that depression is a normal part of growing older. This is not true. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:
Keep in mind that everyone goes through mood changes and times of melancholy, and your loved one is no exception. But if the depression symptoms listed above last more than two weeks and impact his or her ability to handle the tasks of daily living, its important to take immediate steps to help.
How to respond to signs of depression