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What are some steps that can be taken to help people with depression?

36 Answers
Last Updated: 03/25/2019 at 11:19pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brenda King, PsyD

Psychologist

I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
vinilovesyou
November 11th, 2014 1:45am
1) Seeing a therapist they know they can trust, because some people are really discouraged from going to therapy for many reasons, one of which, is that they cannot find the needed connection with a therapist. 2) Give them the support they need in the form of a loved one, show them that they are not alone. Depressed people are sadly not always in control of their thoughts, and may feel so overwhelmed by them that knowing they have someone there who is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that they are okay, is just wonderful. Ofcourse, this won't always be the case, because even though they may have a lot of support, it is highly possible that they may still feel alone, however, it does make a difference to have such a strong support system, since it won't hurt to try and it's better to have something or someone than nothing. 3) Let them know that, "You are not your thoughts", this may be helpful, since, as I said, they feel disconnected with the world around them and some thoughts can be quite scary in such a situation, that is why it is also necessary for them to know that , "You are in control of your thoughts, it's your choice whether you want them to control you or not." Gaining control of your thoughts isn't always easy, especially for a depressed person, but it also isn't impossible. 4) Meditate - an ancient method people use to connect with their deeper , inner selves. Make it a daily routine and you're bound to see results. 5) Keep the Faith - there must be at least one thing that is motivating you to pull yourself out of this state of depression, hold on to that one thing, try to find others along the way, and keep striving to be better :)
Keeshure
September 21st, 2014 6:27pm
Patience, an emotionally peaceful atmosphere, acceptance and trust are the most important! With these you allow the depressed individual to feel okay with his/her current state, and will then be more open to seek professional help.
confidentSoul35
June 21st, 2016 8:29am
Talk to them, but never force/push them into anything. The key is in making them feel comforatble. And help them be mentally strong.
Anonymous
June 18th, 2015 12:48am
The biggest thing with trying to help someone with depression is to make sure you're not pushing them. Make sure they know that you are there for them, that you care about their well being, but don't try to push them out of their comfort zone. They know what is best for them more than you do. Listen to what they have to say and make sure they know you are actually listening.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2014 4:28pm
Make them happy. Go out with them and things like that. Sitting in the house is not gonna help with the problem.
faithfulhelper
July 27th, 2015 12:19am
Seek help. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem. Find people to talk to that you trust
Anonymous
November 3rd, 2015 1:53am
Listen to them help them feel like they are not alone reminding them of what they like and get to make new activities for their day to day life
tjb28
November 30th, 2015 2:00pm
If someone close to you is suffereing with depression, support and encouragement plays an important role in their recovery,ask them if they have spoken to a professional and show them you are there for them and that you care.
Anonymous
December 21st, 2015 8:54pm
First take the time to understand what you are going through, then seek help through family friends or gp
Th0mas
February 2nd, 2016 3:59pm
Time time time time time time time time time timetime time time time time time time time time and ... Yh time.... When we r depressed we feel time flows slowly... So being patient seems to be impossible... But...just for being humans, we are awesome, we can do much more than that, go straight ahead and dont look back
Anonymous
March 15th, 2016 4:01am
Ask. Listen. Show support. Maintain trust & relationship through loyalty. Recommend resources. Remember that progress and healing take time.
Anonymous
May 2nd, 2016 1:56am
Think positive thought, look at the positive sides of things instead of the negative side. Do things that you enjoy doing, this will help you forget about being upset. Make it a habit to think positively everyday. That happiness will grow everyday.
Millichidulinas
July 12th, 2016 11:03am
First of all you have to trust each other. Then you have to help this people with talking with you and be sincere. Tell him/her that you want to help them and that asking for help is a thing that everyone does.
Anonymous
July 18th, 2016 3:50pm
being social more with people, talking with any listeners, thinking positive thoughts, walking outside... these really help people to cope with depression...
bubblyunicorn
August 2nd, 2016 3:18am
1- we should encourage positive activities. 2-treat the person with respect and kindness. 3-be supportive and understanding. 4-ensure proper help is being given.
Anonymous
February 21st, 2017 10:19pm
Understanding depression before you help somebody can be really useful, so that you know some of what they may be going through. Just offering to be there for somebody can be really huge; knowing that they have a support network helps immensely. Sometimes, they won't be sure that anybody loves or cares for them, so reassuring them that you're there makes that easier. If they've self harmed or have suicidal thoughts, staying really calm is key. Those are some of the things I've got, I hope this helps
crispapple71
April 24th, 2018 4:48am
One recent idea that I came across in my reading was that if we encourage a person to write down three things they did well each day, and what they did to achieve that result, then over the space of a few months mood improves and so does self-esteem.
shiningWinter54
June 25th, 2018 1:52am
Let them know that you are there and wont judge. That you can understand. and are NOT a burden to you. Very important. it will take constant reminders. Help them open up to talk to you. let them know you care and it pains you to see them hurting and you want to help. do not push them too hard, this can scare them and they will recoil. Do not tell them what they SHOULD do or feel. don't try to give advice right away. just let them talk to you
Nubbin
March 25th, 2019 11:19pm
If I were in your shoes I would consider talking to a therapist, I can refer you to one of ours if you don't have one. I would also try taking a walk, reading a book, talking to a friend, or even watching a movie, something to stimulate you so your not just thinking about how bad you might feel. But I really would consider talking to a therapist, they would have more ideas to give out and they would be able to help you if you need medications or just different coping skills. Sometimes just talking to someone who will just listen is the best thing to help.
Anonymous
November 3rd, 2014 4:44am
Talk to someone who cares or who will help you. This could be someone you know, a psychologist, or even just a random person on the internet. Talking to someone is the first step in getting the help you need.
LiLee
September 12th, 2014 4:24pm
I guess that first of all, ask to the person what are the things she/he likes to do (reading, playin sports, going out wth friends) and try to show her/him all the good things in life. If you show excitement about life and try to cheer the depressed person, it might help her/him to see all the good aspects of life.
Ven
October 5th, 2014 2:34pm
There is no correct answer for this question. However, determining what causes the depression can be a good starting point. If it does not require immediate medical attention, words of encouragement may be used. Most of the depression cases are related solely on a person's lack of confidence. However, if it is a pressing matter, it would be advisable to call for professional help.
FrancescaGabrielle
October 23rd, 2014 3:30am
Always being there for them, listening, helping them take action, offering them solutions (without any pressure or judgement) can help to make people feel better who are suffering from depression.
Brettlstar
October 23rd, 2014 10:43am
Depression is a state of mind and a chemical imbalance according to research but it also responds to things like aromatherapy, homeopathy, dietry changes, exercise and so forth. If the depression followed a long period of stress then it may be the exhaustion phase of the stress response cycle. Reducing the stressors is essential. Dont be fooled into dividing good stress and bad stress. Current research has shown that stress is stress and has the same effects over time whether you like it or not. Therapy is important and learning some skills like correcting faulty thinking styles, improving the way you talk to yourself, getting regular sleep (bed and wake same hour each day), and even learning mindfulness. Depression is not the ending, it is just a message that some changes need to be made. If you take the course of medication, remember to follow it up with counselling. Antidepressants are a temporary fix not a long term solution.
iWarrior
October 24th, 2014 5:51am
There are many steps to help people cope with depression. Finding them a hotline, a friend, or just being there for them is some of them.
jennimarie
October 24th, 2014 6:32pm
Helping someone cope with depression is always hard, but there are always things like creating a trustworthy safe space for them, being available if they need a distraction, or always showing them open love. Often all someone needs to brighten their day is a good morning text or a loving embrace!
Anonymous
October 25th, 2014 5:19pm
Empathize.. it sucks feeling bad. Reflect.. how did it come this far. And activate.. no matter what the cause is, how can you get back on your feet and find your way back to work and social activities.
Charity0
November 2nd, 2014 3:03am
Give them a big long hug and show them that you care. Give them the space to reach out to you but be close by anyway. Refer them to an actual hotline phone number or e-mail address that they can use for their area of residence so they themselves can start their journey to recovery when they feel they can. 7 Cups of Tea is great from what I hear too ;). Usually depression is a very personal ordeal that is difference person to person so the only consistent steps you can take, is to be there and refer them to professionals who can be there for them too. Though it may seem great to drag them through a list of outdoor activities and call them constantly to check up on them, like many diseases, depression is an illness or/and symptom that take time to treat and recover from. So remember to give them the space they need to express what they need.
compassionateShell10
April 22nd, 2015 1:55pm
Finding the right people to talk to is the main point here. Not everyone understands depression and how it can make you feel. Going to your Doctor or GP can really be beneficial as they are trained to know the signs and can help. (speaking from personal experience) Speaking with a close friend can help, as you can open up more to them and not feel the stress of it being a family member. In saying that if you are extremely close to a family member and you tell them a lot, then opening up to them may not be a bad idea. Surrounding yourself with friends, family, loved ones has been proven (in my situation) that it is very effective. You spend time in a happy and calm environment then you will relax more and other peoples happiness will flow through you and you will then in turn be happy. Taking up a hobby or doing something that you love to do, can also be beneficial as you can focus your mind on that thing you are doing and not on the negative. Always try and put yourself in the middle of positivity, and try to stay away from negative feelings, emotions and things in general.
Anonymous
November 9th, 2014 11:08am
Just have the patience to listen and be compassionate! Because it is usually difficult for those who are depressed to express what triggers their depression.