Supporting a loved one with depression

If you’re reading this you may be feeling helpless or at a loss for how to help the person you love with depression. It’s hard to empathize or know how to help, especially if you haven't experienced depression yourself.

Let’s start with learning what depression is. Some common symptoms of depression include feeling low, having negative thought patterns, lacking energy, sleep issues, changes in appetite, and/or thoughts of death. Depression is caused by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some biological causes include genetics, hormonal changes, and changes in a person’s neurotransmitters. Psychological causes include negative thinking patterns, sense of failure, or low self-worth. Environmental causes include stress, trauma, or loss. Depression is very common with 1 in 4 people experiencing it at some point in their lives and women being 2x more likely.

Depression is caused by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Understanding the nature and cause of depression is vital to supporting your loved one. Remember depression is an illness and not something you can just “get over” and verbalizing that sentiment can have an adverse impact on your loved ones by contributing to their low self-worth. As discussed previously, depression is caused by complex and unique biological, psychological, and environmental factors. 

When you care about someone our natural inclination is wanting to fix the problem and alleviate their pain. You might feel helpless, but sometimes just  listening is the most helpful thing you can do. Remember, you can’t “fix” them, you can only love and support them. You can also try to encourage your loved one to seek professional help, whether it’s medication or therapy. Social isolation is a common behavior associated with depression which only worsens the pain. Encourage your loved one to seek out peer support.

You might feel helpless, but sometimes just  listening is the most helpful thing you can do.

Individuals with depression are at an increased risk for suicide. You should take any mention of suicide seriously and seek help. If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call 988 to connect to the national suicide hotline or visit their website here: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Lastly, when supporting someone with depression, remember to also take care of yourself. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed but taking care of yourself will help you be a better support to your loved one.

Do you know someone struggling with depression? Help is available. Reach out to our office at (660) 236-2818 to find a therapist that’s right for you.