Supporting Someone With Depression
Depression is a condition that affects the way a person feels, thinks, and can make it hard to do things like sleep, eat, or work.
Depression is a mental health condition but it is also a medical condition, Just like other health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
What do I need to know about this condition?
Risk factors
Depression doesn't have just one cause, and sometimes it can happen for no clear reason.
A person can be more likely to have depression if they:
Have had depression before, or a family member has had depression.
- Have been through, or are dealing with:
Trauma.
- Stress or stressful situations, like:
Moving to a new place, being away from family, or coming back home after being away for a while.
Having money problems.
Having changes in a close relationship, like separating from a partner.
- Have other mental or physical problems or conditions.
Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or long-lasting pain can make depression worse, and depression can make other health conditions worse too.
Take certain medicines that can cause depression or depression symptoms as a side effect.
Misuse drugs or alcohol.
Symptoms
Not everyone with depression has the same symptoms. Some people have a few symptoms, others might have many.
A person with depression may:
Feel sad, mad, or grumpy.
Not want to do things they usually like.
Feel like nothing will get better, feel bad about themselves, or feel guilty.
- Have trouble:
Sleeping or they may sleep too much.
Focusing, remembering things, or making choices.
Feel very tired most of the time.
Have big changes in how much they eat or weigh.
Move around a lot more or less, or much slower than usual.
Think or talk about hurting themselves, dying, or wanting to die.
What do I need to know about the treatment options?
Treatment may include::
If talk therapy or medicine don't help enough, other therapies, like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), can be used.
Other things that might help are:
Staying away from alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs.
Trying to exercise.
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
Eating healthy food at regular times.
Talking to friends or family about feelings.
How can I support a person with depression?
General support
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Be kind, patient, a good listener, and encouraging.
- Ask the person what they want or need help with. This might include:
Helping them remember to take their medicine.
Offering to go with them or making sure they can get to their therapy or other appointments.
Helping with daily responsibilities, such as doing laundry or cooking food.
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Ask them to go for walks or do fun things, such as activities or hobbies they used to like.
Find support and resources
Places to find support and learn about resources include:
How can I create a safe environment?
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Ask them "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" and ask if they have a plan on how they might hurt themselves.
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Listen without judging. Talking about suicide can help reduce those thoughts.
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Make dangerous things, like guns, harder to get. This can help stop them from hurting themselves.
- Make a written crisis plan. Include important phone numbers, such as the local crisis intervention team. Make sure that:
- Help them to get support. This can include helping them call, text, or talk to:
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Stay in touch with them. Keeping in contact can help prevent suicide.
How should I care for myself?
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Find someone you can talk to who can help you handle stress, like friends, family, or support groups.
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Try to keep your normal routines, including getting enough sleep.
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Do things that help you relax. Try to not feel guilty about taking time for yourself.
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Exercise, even if it's just a short walk a few times a week.
What are some signs that the condition is getting worse?
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Their symptoms come back or get worse.
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They are not taking medicines or going to therapy like they are supposed to.
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They stop talking to friends or family.
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You feel like your loved one may hurt themselves or others.
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Your loved one has talked about taking their own life.
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Your loved one shares other thoughts or feelings that worry you.
These symptoms may be an emergency. Take one of these steps right away:
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
