How to Support Someone Who Struggles With Depression
Those struggling with depression often see their relationships suffer due to isolation and a fear of getting help. If someone you love has been showing signs of depression or doesn’t seem like themselves, it’s natural to want to step in.
While it’s important not to try to fix them yourselves, there are a few practical steps you can take to support your loved one in a healthy way as they battle their depression.
Watch for the signs
The first step to supporting someone who struggles with depression is knowing what depression looks like. Your loved one may be showing these signs if they’re going through a depressive episode:
slower speech
poor hygiene
neglected appearance, such as unkempt hair
over- or under-eating
trouble concentrating
feels tired or fatigued
doesn’t do things they once enjoyed
Read up on depression—what causes it, treatment options, and health outlooks. Knowing what your loved one is going through can help you understand and empathize with them before getting them help.
Validate their feelings
Depression can make someone feel ashamed of their own thoughts and emotions. Make sure to let your loved one know that it’s okay to not be okay. When you have these emotionally vulnerable conversations, it’s important not to judge. Ask questions, stay engaged, and offer an understanding ear. If you have gone through something similar, try to connect and give advice (if they’re receptive to it). Let them know you’re just a phone call away if they need to talk through anything difficult.
Stay connected
Your loved one might be difficult to get ahold of when they’re in the grip of depression. Don’t let that deter you. Make an effort to contact them and invite them places, even if they decline or show up late. What matters the most right now is that they know you’re there when they’re ready.
Offer practical support
Depression can make basic things, such as cooking, cleaning, or running errands, hard to accomplish. When you’re in the area, offer to drop off groceries or come cook dinner for them. Ask whether there are tasks they haven’t been able to get to on their own that you could help with. These small gestures of kindness can go a long way to showing them you care.
Be patient
Even with your support, your loved one won’t get better overnight. Healing from mental health issues takes time. Avoid pressuring them to get better or making note of days they’re doing worse than usual. Their successes may not be linear—most likely, they’ll have good and bad days. Celebrate success milestones with them, such as getting out of the house, starting therapy, or doing well at work.
Avoid burnout (for yourself)
Don’t take on the role of caregiver full-time, especially if you don’t live with this person. While you can offer support and be there when they need you, it’s important to take care of yourself, too. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries if you find they rely on you too much without doing the work themselves. Do things to care for your mental health, such as meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, or expressing yourself through creativity.
Encourage them to seek help
Someone with depression often needs the intervention of a mental health professional to actually get better. Your friend may need a therapist’s intervention or even medication to help get them back on track. Help them get started looking for a therapist that would be a good fit for them.
To find out more about how depression therapy can help your loved one with depression, please reach out to us.
