Depression can happen to anyone both the young and old. Depression usually develops slowly with the person suffering from it not being aware or acknowledging that they’re not behaving as they normally do.
Watching a family member or friend struggle with depression is tough. It’s challenging, especially when you don’t know how to help. Most people with loved ones suffering from depression say they feel helpless, guilty and powerless for their inability to offer any relief to the suffering person.
That said, the best way to help your loved one suffering from depression is to understand the symptoms, learn how to offer support and encourage them to seek professional help.
Understand depression
Depression is a treatable mental health issue. To better appreciate what your loved one is going through, start by learning everything you can about depression.
Also, try to figure out the best way to talk about it with your family member. This point is especially important, as is often the case; most people with depression hardly vocalize their feelings.
Here are some of the possible symptoms to take note of:
- Disinterest in social activities they usually enjoy.
- Always feeling tired – a persisting lack of motivation, enthusiasm and low energy.
- Has lost or gained weight due to changes in eating habits
- Sleeps more often than usual or unable to sleep at all
The list is not exhaustive of all the possible symptoms, though.
Encourage them to seek help
People with depression may not recognise or acknowledge they need help. They may not be able to recognise symptoms of depression, hence may think their feelings are normal. Also, since most people with depression are often low in energy and lack motivation, it might prove quite challenging getting them to see a doctor.
As a result of these obstacles, your first task is to help your loved one acknowledge they need help and to make them see it is treatable. In most cases, your loved one will resist help; especially if it involves going to see a psychologist. You could help by suggesting helpful online resources, including getting in touch with online psychologists.
Be willing to listen
In most cases, a depressed person wants to feel they are understood – that they are heard. That they are not alone. Provide that air for your loved one, listen to them when they are in the mood to talk. Try as much as you can to refrain from interrupting or interjecting with remarks and harmless statements.
Listening is much more than hearing the words being spoken. It is suspending your judgement so you can see things from the other’s perspective. Empathic listening is a powerful tool which, when applied appropriately, could lead to deep, thoughtful conversations that would open opportunities to discuss solutions and possibly set your family member on the path to recovery.
Talk about stress
Stress is a significant cause of depression. So, you may want to ask questions to understand if your loved one is under increased pressure either from work or in their personal life. Once you have identified sources of stress in their lives, brainstorm with them to come up with ways to reduce it. Little changes in lifestyle could go a long way. You can also offer to relieve them of some of their daily tasks or creating a routine to make them feel organized and in control.
Give positive reinforcement
It is prevalent for people with depression to be hyper self-critical. They find fault with everything they do and are always hard on themselves. You will have to remind them of their strengths – tell them how incredibly strong they are. Remind them of the challenges and tasks they have overcome in the past. Always shine the light on their strengths; this way, you bolster their confidence.
