People often have many questions when dealing with depression in a friend or loved one. You might wonder what you should do if you suspect a loved one is suffering from depression or how you can help during treatment.
1) Get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
This may involve making an appointment for your loved one and going with them to the doctor. Helping a loved one with depression may also mean monitoring whether he or she is taking their medication.
2) Give emotional support.
Try to engage the depressed person in conversation, and listen carefully. Do not disparage the feelings he or she may express, but do point out realities and offer hope. Encourage participation in activities that were once pleasurable to him or her.
3) Do not accuse your friend or loved one of faking illness or of laziness.
Don't expect or encourage him or her "to snap out of it." Remember, eventually, with treatment, most people do get better. Keep that in mind, and reassure your loved one that, with time and help, he or she will feel better, too.
1) Get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
This may involve making an appointment for your loved one and going with them to the doctor. Helping a loved one with depression may also mean monitoring whether he or she is taking their medication.
2) Give emotional support.
Try to engage the depressed person in conversation, and listen carefully. Do not disparage the feelings he or she may express, but do point out realities and offer hope. Encourage participation in activities that were once pleasurable to him or her.
3) Do not accuse your friend or loved one of faking illness or of laziness.
Don't expect or encourage him or her "to snap out of it." Remember, eventually, with treatment, most people do get better. Keep that in mind, and reassure your loved one that, with time and help, he or she will feel better, too.