4 Ways to Help Someone With Depression

Depression is, unfortunately, one of the most common mental health issues in the world. In the U.S., depression impacts about 8% of the population. The good news is that there are plenty of options for managing and treating depression. 

Medications and therapy are often the most common and popular treatment methods, and they can work very well. But, being able to manage symptoms daily can still sometimes be challenging for someone with depression. 

Because this mental health condition is so common, you undoubtedly have a friend or loved one dealing with it. While you can’t take away what they’re going through, there are things you can do to help and support them so their symptoms don’t feel as overwhelming. 

Let’s discuss a few ways to help someone with depression so you can bring some hope and happiness to the people you care about.

1. Start a Conversation

One of the best ways to help someone with depression is to talk about it. Don’t force a conversation, and don’t start out by being judgmental. But let them know you’ve noticed a change in their behavior or attitude and are concerned about it. 

When someone with depression understands that they have someone they love and trust in their corner, it can feel like a huge weight lifted from their shoulders. They might be more willing to open up because they’ve held that weight independently for so long. 

2. Remind Them of Their Strength

There are some symptoms associated with depression that most people understand. Hopelessness, extreme sadness, and even fatigue are all common. But, people dealing with depression can also deal with shame, insecurity, and low self-esteem. They might feel like their depression is some kind of personal flaw, or they’re only struggling with it because they’re weak. 

As a person in their support circle, remind them that depression isn’t some kind of weakness. It’s a real condition that doesn’t reflect who they are or how strong their resolve is. It’s also important to remind them that people want to help them. Knowing they have a support system can help with their confidence and make reaching out easier. 

3. Help Them Create a Routine

We often think of routines as something babies and kids need. But, adults benefit from familiar daily schedules, too — especially when dealing with depression. People handle depression differently. Some might have trouble sleeping, while others want to sleep the day away. Some might want to withdraw from people and things they love. Others might have a hard time finding the motivation to go to work. 

You can help by working with your loved one on a daily routine. It could include going to bed at the same time each night, getting some activity in the morning, journaling every evening, and socializing with others multiple times a week. 

Not only does a routine provide comfort, but it can also give your loved one a sense of control. It will help them realize that this mental health issue doesn’t define them and that they can get through each day.

4. Encourage Professional Help

Again, if there’s a silver lining to depression is that it’s often very manageable. But, the right help is necessary. 

Encourage your loved one to talk to a mental health professional about their struggles. Therapy is a great way for them to better understand their depression. They’ll learn the underlying cause(s) and effective strategies for symptom management. 

If someone you care about is struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to put these tips into practice and encourage them to get the help they deserve soon. Reaching out to a therapist for depression therapy can help them find a way out of the darkness.