From Pardee UNC Health Care: Supporting a loved one with depression
It can be painful to watch a family member or friend struggle with depression. You may wonder if there’s anything you can do or say to help them. While each person’s diagnosis and situation will vary, there are several ways you can give support to a loved one with depression.
Understand the signs of depression
It can be helpful to know the signs of depression. Keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused by other health conditions. But if someone experiences them most days for two weeks or more, they could have depression.
Physical symptoms include fatigue, low energy, sleeping too much or not enough, restlessness, moving or talking slower than usual, changes in weight or appetite, unexplained aches and pains, unexplained digestive issues and suicide attempts.
Mental and emotional symptoms can include irritability, sadness, anxiety, apathy, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, difficulty making decisions, memory problems and talk or thoughts of death or suicide.
If your friend or relative has these symptoms, encourage them to get help.
Offer emotional support
If your loved ones are experiencing depression, their words and actions may be different than usual. They may say or do things that frustrate or upset you. While this can be difficult, do your best to remain patient and understanding. Depression isn’t their fault, so avoid words and actions that place blame on them.
Ask questions and listen to their answers. Avoid judging or brushing aside their feelings.
Make time to do fun activities together, such as going for a walk, getting coffee, watching a favorite show or going to dinner.
Encourage them to get help
If someone has signs of depression or has been diagnosed with depression, it’s important for them to seek regular mental health care. Encourage them to see their primary care provider or a counselor. You could offer to schedule an appointment for them. Also, kindly remind them to take medications as prescribed and attend their therapy appointments.
If your friend or family member talks about death or suicide or tells you they have thoughts of death or suicide, take this seriously. Contact their physician or therapist immediately. If they’re in crisis and an immediate danger to themselves or others, call 911 or a national crisis hotline, such as:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI or text “NAMI” to 741741
Practice self-care
Being there for a loved one with depression can be hard on you mentally, emotionally and physically, so be sure to take time for yourself. Do your best to eat healthy meals, get regular physical activity, sleep seven to nine hours per night, talk to a counselor, join a support group, make time for your favorite activities, don’t use drugs, limit alcohol use, and practice stress management techniques like breathwork, meditation and journaling.
If you or a loved one has symptoms of depression, talk to your primary care provider. To find a provider near you, visit www.pardeehospital.org.
Dr. Daniel Johnson is a board-certified psychiatrist at Psychiatric and Addictions Therapeutic Healing Services (PATHS) at Pardee.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: From Pardee UNC Health Care: Supporting a loved one with depression
