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When people are depressed, they’re not the only ones who suffer. Often, many of those who are around a depressed person struggle with the effects of his or her illness.
Watching someone you love fight depression can be frustrating and scary. The decision to get help is up to the person with depression. But there are things you can do.
For many people with depression, having a friend or loved one who cares is a key resource.
What can I do?
- Learn about depression, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments. This will help you understand what a depressed person is going through.
- Do what you can to make sure that a person with depression gets medical care. Urge your friend or loved one to stick with his or her counseling or medicine. Offer to go with him or her to appointments.
- Be supportive and patient. Listen to what the depressed person has to say.
- Without being pushy, urge your friend or loved one to do the things that he or she used to enjoy. See friends. Go to the movies. Take a walk.
Emergencies
If someone you know is thinking about suicide, don’t ignore it. Do whatever you can to get help for that person. Get in touch with his or her doctor or counselor.
Avoid burnout
Helping a person with depression can be tiring and demanding. Here are some things to keep in mind that can help both of you:
- Try to get other people involved in helping a person who’s depressed. Doing it on your own can be hard.
- People with depression often resist efforts to be helped. It’s okay to feel angry and frustrated. But don’t confuse the person you love with the illness.
- Depression isn’t anyone’s fault. People just can’t “snap out of” depression.
- No matter how overwhelmed you feel, take time for yourself.
Also of Interest
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Do you think you may be depressed? Take this quiz and discuss it with your doctor. |
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