- Provide consistent support. Over time, if you consistently show support, the depressed person will see that you are resolute and may accept your help. ...
- Discuss your feelings. When your help is refused, restate how much you care for the person. ...
- Focus on behaviors. If the depressed person is reluctant to seek help, then don't try to convince the person that depression is causing the problems. ...
- Agree on professional help. It is important to make sure your loved one gets the professional help he or she needs. ...
Full Answer
What should I do if I get depressed easily?
Tip 6: Challenge negative thinking
- Overgeneralization. Generalizing from a single negative experience, expecting it to hold true forever (“I had a bad date, I’ll never find anyone.”)
- Diminishing the positive. ...
- Jumping to conclusions. ...
- Emotional reasoning. ...
- Labeling. ...
How to tell if someone is depressed?
Some depression symptoms include:
- Lack of engagement: They lose interest in activities they used to enjoy or want to hang out less.
- Change in communication patterns: You used to chat or hang on the regular, and now they’re MIA.
- Changes in hygiene and sleeping patterns: They’re sleeping less — or all the time. ...
What can you do for depressed people?
Practice relaxation techniques. A daily relaxation practice can help relieve symptoms of depression, reduce stress, and boost feelings of joy and well-being. Try yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation. Come up with a list of things that you can do for a quick mood boost.
How do I support someone depressed?
Depression can develop slowly. Someone who's depressed does not always realise or acknowledge that they're not feeling or behaving as they usually do. Often it's a partner, family member or carer who first realises that help's needed. They may encourage their friend or relative to see a GP, or find some other source of support.
How do you get someone mental help if they don't want it?
It's an Emergency. If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone right now, text START to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor 24/7. ... Our Mental Health Resource Center. ... High School Resources. ... Higher Education Resources.
Is there anything you can do for someone with depression?
Let other family members or close friends know what's going on. Call a suicide hotline number. In the United States, you can reach the toll-free, 24-hour hot line of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to talk to a trained counselor.
How do you convince someone to go to therapy?
Approach the conversation with care and concern, not judgment. When you broach the topic of therapy, begin by expressing that you want to help because you care about the other person. Ask questions and listen to the person's answers carefully and patiently. Listen for ways that therapy could address specific concerns.
When should a person seek treatment for depression?
Here's a good rule of thumb: If your depressed mood lasts for more than two weeks, or is seriously interfering with your ability to function at work, with your family, and in your social life, or is causing you to contemplate or plan to commit suicide, it would be a very good idea for you to consult with a mental ...
How can I help a loved one with mental illness?
Try to show patience and caring and try not to be judgmental of their thoughts and actions. Listen; don't disregard or challenge the person's feelings. Encourage them to talk with a mental health care provider or with their primary care provider if that would be more comfortable for them.
What causes the depression?
There's no single cause of depression. It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers. For some people, an upsetting or stressful life event, such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries, can be the cause. Different causes can often combine to trigger depression.
How do you encourage someone to get help?
How to approach someone you love about getting helpPick a good time and place. Don't let the conversation come out of a recent fight or argument. ... Come to the conversation with compassion. ... Normalize therapy. ... Be specific. ... Help with the leg work.
How can I get my husband to go to therapy?
The Therapy Talk: 8 Ways to Convince Your Spouse to Go to Couples CounselingBe Honest About Your Struggles. ... Don't Play the Blame Game. ... Let Them Know You Love Them. ... Move Past the Stigma. ... Don't Get Defensive When They Get Defensive. ... Be Clear With Your Motives. ... Set Clear Goals. ... Choose A Counselor Together.More items...•
How can I get help for someone?
The person I care about is in crisis.Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, text MHA to 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.Find a local MHA affiliate who can provide services.Find a therapist.Find support groups.Find a hospital.More items...
What are the top 5 symptoms of depression?
5 Most common signs of depressionPersistent depressed (low) mood. It's natural to feel down from time to time. ... Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. Sometimes we lose interest in things we used to love. ... Feelings of worthlessness. ... Poor concentration. ... Thoughts of harming yourself.
What are the 5 characteristics of depression?
Despite a huge range of symptoms here are five of the most common characteristics that the majority of people with depression experience:Low mood/low interest in activities enjoyed previously: ... Trouble concentrating: ... Changes in appetite or sleep: ... Feeling hopeless/worthless: ... Thoughts of suicide:
What exactly are the symptoms of depression?
SymptomsFeelings 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.Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much.More items...•
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Tell the person about depression and why you are concerned
Stress that depression is not laziness or something in the head. It's a common disease and is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Explain why the person needs to see a health professional
Explain that very few people get over depression on their own. Most people need some type of treatment. The sooner someone gets treatment, the sooner he or she will feel better.
Watch for the warning signs of suicide
The person is going to harm himself or herself or others. For example, the person has a written plan or a weapon or is saving (stockpiling) medicines.
Help the person overcome fears about treatment
Many people have reasons why they don't want to see a doctor. Talk about these barriers, and help the person find solutions.
How to help someone with depression?
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. Don’t expect a single conversation to be the end of it.
What to do if your loved one is depressed?
Suggest a general check-up with a physician. Your loved one may be less anxious about seeing a family doctor than a mental health professional. A regular doctor’s visit is actually a great option, since the doctor can rule out medical causes of depression. If the doctor diagnoses depression, they can refer your loved one to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Sometimes, this “professional” opinion makes all the difference.
How to get a depressed loved one to move?
Encourage activity. Invite your loved one to join you in uplifting activities, like going to a funny movie or having dinner at a favorite restaurant. Exercise is especially helpful, so try to get your depressed loved one moving. Going on walks together is one of the easiest options. Be gently and lovingly persistent—don’t get discouraged or stop asking.
How does depression affect people?
Depression drains a person’s energy, optimism, and motivation. Your depressed loved one can’t just “snap out of it” by sheer force of will. The symptoms of depression aren’t personal. Depression makes it difficult for a person to connect on a deep emotional level with anyone, even the people they love the most.
Why is it important to understand the signs and symptoms of depression?
You may notice the problem in a depressed loved one before they do, and your influence and concern can motivate them to seek help. Be concerned if your loved one: Doesn’t seem to care about anything anymore.
How to help a depressed friend?
Seek support. You are NOT betraying your depressed relative or friend by turning to others for support. Joining a support group, talking to a counselor or clergyman, or confiding in a trusted friend will help you get through this tough time. You don’t need to go into detail about your loved one’s depression or betray confidences; instead focus on your emotions and what you are feeling. Make sure you can be totally honest with the person you turn to—choose someone who will listen without interruption and without judging you.
How can companionship help with depression?
You can help them to cope with depression symptoms, overcome negative thoughts, and regain their energy, optimism, and enjoyment of life.
How to get rid of depression?
Eating nutritious meals and staying physically active can help you feel better all around. Exercising regularly can increase your endorphins and relieve depression. Getting enough sleep is also essential to both your physical and mental health.
How does talking therapy help with depression?
Your therapist can help you detect patterns of thought or behavior that contribute to your depression. You may be given homework, such as tracking your moods or writing in journals. This will help you to continue your treatment outside of appointments. Your therapist can also teach you exercises to reduce stress and anxiety, and help you understand your illness.
How do SNRIs help with depression?
It’s believed that SNRIs help treat depression by keeping up the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine — chemical messengers that affect mood — in your brain . They do this by stopping serotonin and norepinephrine from going back into the cells that released them.
How long does it take for depression to go away?
If 2 or more months have gone by and you’ve stuck to a treatment but don’t feel any relief from the depression, it’s likely not working for you. You should experience relief from depression within 3 months of starting a medication.
What is talk therapy?
Talk therapy involves discussing your problems and how you feel with a trained therapist. Your therapist can help you detect patterns of thought or behavior that contribute to your depression. You may be given homework, such as tracking your moods or writing in journals.
What is cognitive therapy?
Cognitive therapy aims to determine the negative thoughts and emotions that exacerbate depression. This type of therapy helps people identify these unhelpful though patterns and to turn them into more productive ones.
Which antidepressants have fewer side effects?
Also known as SSRIs, these typically have fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants. Fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro) all fit into this category. Depression is linked to low levels of serotonin (as well as low levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other brain chemicals).
Tell the person about depression and why you are concerned
Stress that depression is not laziness or something in the head. It's a common disease and is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Explain why the person needs to see a health professional
Explain that very few people get over depression on their own. Most people need some type of treatment. The sooner someone gets treatment, the sooner he or she will feel better.
Watch for the warning signs of suicide
Watch for the warning signs of suicide, such as talking a lot about death or giving things away and writing a will. If you notice them, call the doctor.
Help the person overcome fears about treatment
Many people have reasons why they don't want to see a doctor. Talk about these barriers, and help the person find solutions.
How to help a friend who is depressed?
If your relative or friend is in treatment for depression, help him or her remember to take prescribed medications and to keep appointments.
What are some organizations that help with depression?
Locate helpful organizations. A number of organizations offer support groups, counseling and other resources for depression. For example, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, employee assistance programs and many faith-based organizations offer help for mental health concerns.
How do you know if you have depression?
For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Other people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without knowing why. Children and teens may show depression by being irritable or cranky rather than sad.
What are the symptoms of depression?
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.
How to get someone to do something?
Make plans together. Ask your loved one to join you on a walk, see a movie with you, or work with you on a hobby or other activity he or she previously enjoyed. But don't try to force the person into doing something.
How to help someone who is a skeptic?
Seek help. Contact the person's doctor, mental health provider or other health care professional. Let other family members or close friends know what's going on.
How to take care of yourself?
Take self-care steps, such as being sure to eat healthy meals, get an appropriate amount of sleep and be physically active