How to Help Someone Experiencing Depression
What is Depression?
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects the way someone feels, thinks and behaves. It has a detrimental effect on one’s daily functioning and can cause problems with work, school and relationships.
What is depression?
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects the way someone feels, thinks and behaves. It has a detrimental effect on one’s daily functioning and can cause problems with work, school and relationships.
What are the common symptoms of depression?
Symptoms include:
Loss of interest in things that once interested them – withdrawing socially
Sleep disturbance (insomnia/oversleeping)
Weight changes (loss or gain)
Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
Lack of energy or fatigue, reduced motivation
Irritability or frustration
Feelings of worthlessness, fixation on past failures or self-blame
Trouble concentrating, remembering things or decision making
Unexplained physical problems including headache, stomach ache or back pain
Slowed speech or body movements
Suicidal thoughts or actions
What you can say to someone experiencing depression
Whether your loved one has a confirmed diagnosis of depression or you suspect they may be depressed, there are some things you can say that are helpful and things that are unhelpful. Often a hallmark of depression is social withdrawal.
Avoid shaming, blaming, or guilt tripping the person or offering solutions. For example:
“Get over it”
“Cheer up, life’s not that bad”
“Try to think positive thoughts”
“You just have to try harder to feel better”
These types of responses are unhelpful and damaging. Instead offer gentle support, empathy and attempts to understand.
For example:
“I’m sorry you are feeling bad, in what way can I help?”
“I am here if you need to talk, or if you would like some company anytime.”
“I can see you are struggling, that must be really hard.”
“What do you think you need right now in order to begin to heal?”
What you can do for someone experiencing depression
Fatigue and lack of motivation are common symptoms of depression, and completing daily tasks can be difficult. You can offer to complete some household chores for the person, cook a meal, babysit the kids and complete some life admin tasks for the loved one. If the person has not visited a health professional, you could offer to book a GP appointment and escort them.
Their GP can assist them with a mental health treatment plan so that they can see a psychologist and claim up to 20 sessions each calendar year. Psychwest have appointments available now: book one here.
You can also provide some helpful websites or phone numbers if they need some additional support in the meantime. Some useful support services are listed here:
All:
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Lifeline: 13 11 44
Youth:
https://www.headspace.com.au
Indigenous Australians:
LGBTQI+:
https://www.Qlife.org.au
How to help someone with depression who doesn’t want help
It can sometimes be difficult and scary for someone to come to the realisation that they need help. It can take some time until they come around to the idea that they may need additional support.
You may feel powerless in a situation where a loved one is suffering. Get your own support, reach out to your own support system (friends or family) or book a counselling session. Be available to the sufferer, continue to offer gentle support (don’t avoid them), but don’t put pressure or force the person to get help.
If you suspect the person may be suicidal then access any of the above services, as they also provide support and advice in this instance.
If you suspect that the person is at immediate risk of harming themselves, then seek help immediately by calling 000.
Psychwest has a team of experienced psychologists who are ready to help with depression or any other mental health needs. We have appointments available now. Book your session here.