Helping Someone with Depression

Depression is a serious but treatable disorder that affects millions of people, from young to old and from all walks of life. It gets in the way of everyday life, causing tremendous pain, hurting not just those suffering from it but also impacting everyone around them.

If someone you love is depressed, you may be experiencing any number of difficult emotions, including helplessness, frustration, anger, fear, guilt, and sadness. These feelings are all normal. Its not easy dealing with a friend or family members depression. And if you neglect your own health, it can become overwhelming 😢

That being said, your companionship and support can be crucial to your loved ones recovery. You can help them to cope with depressions symptoms, overcome negative thoughts, and regain their energy, optimism, and enjoyment of life. Start by learning all you can about depression and how to best talk about it with your friend or family member. But as you reach out, dont forget to look after your own emotional health—youll need it to provide the full support your loved one needs 🙏🏻

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.

Ways to start the conversation:

💟I have been feeling concerned about you lately.

💟Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing.

💟I wanted to check in with you because you have seemed pretty down lately.

💟I have been feeling concerned about you lately.

💟Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing.

💟I wanted to check in with you because you have seemed pretty down lately.

Questions you can ask:

❕When did you begin feeling like this?

❕Did something happen that made you start feeling this way?

❕How can I best support you right now?

❕Have you thought about getting help?

Remember, being supportive involves offering encouragement and hope. Very often, this is a matter of talking to the person in language that they will understand and can respond to while in a depressed state of mind.

What you CAN say that helps:

💕Youre not alone. Im here for you during this tough time.

💕It may be hard to believe right now, but the way youre feeling will change.

💕Please tell me what I can do now to help you.

💕Even if Im not able to understand exactly how you feel, I care about you and want to help.

💕Youre important to me. Your life is important to me.

💕When you want to give up, tell yourself you will hold on for just one more day, hour, or minute—whatever you can manage.

You cant fix someone elses depression.

As much as you may want to, you cant rescue someone from depression nor fix the problem for them. Youre not to blame for your loved ones depression or responsible for their happiness (or lack thereof). While you can offer love and support, ultimately recovery is in the hands of the depressed person.

You can do this - all of you ❤ I've got you 😊

Jem 🌼 (forum supporter)

Souces: www.helpguide.org