Getting someone who is depressed help

If possible, stay with your friend until they no longer feel suicidal. They may want to talk with someone about it but are unsure of how to bring up the difficult topic.

Offer to help them create a safety plan to use if they think they might act on those thoughts. Wondering what to say to someone with depression? Express your concern, listen, but avoid giving advice. Individuals with depression need to know…. Managing mental illness, including depression, is different for every individual. And when a partner is depressed, it can have significant impact on a…. Depression can be debilitating for those that experience it.

But there are many effective treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms. Depression hurts. And while we often pair this mental illness with emotional pain like sadness, crying, and feelings of hopelessness, research shows….

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. How to Help Someone with Depression. Recognizing depression symptoms in a loved one. How to help. What to avoid. Read this next. Here Are 7 Ways to Show Support. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. It may be hard to believe that the person you know and love would ever consider something as drastic as suicide, but a depressed person may not see any other way out.

Many people feel uncomfortable bringing up the topic but it is one of the best things you can do for someone who is thinking about suicide. Getting a depressed person into treatment can be difficult. Depression saps energy and motivation, so even the act of making an appointment or finding a doctor can seem daunting to your loved one. Depression also involves negative ways of thinking.

The depressed person may believe that the situation is hopeless and treatment pointless. Because of these obstacles, getting your loved one to admit to the problem—and helping them see that it can be solved—is an essential step in depression recovery. Suggest a general check-up with a physician. Your loved one may be less anxious about seeing a family doctor than a mental health professional. If the doctor diagnoses depression, they can refer your loved one to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Offer to help the depressed person find a doctor or therapist and go with them on the first visit. Finding the right treatment provider can be difficult, and is often a trial-and-error process. For a depressed person already low on energy, it is a huge help to have assistance making calls and looking into the options. Encourage your loved one to make a thorough list of symptoms and ailments to discuss with the doctor. One of the most important things you can do to help a friend or relative with depression is to give your unconditional love and support throughout the treatment process.

This involves being compassionate and patient, which is not always easy when dealing with the negativity, hostility, and moodiness that go hand in hand with depression. Provide whatever assistance the person needs and is willing to accept. Help your loved one make and keep appointments, research treatment options, and stay on schedule with any treatment prescribed.

Have realistic expectations. It can be frustrating to watch a depressed friend or family member struggle, especially if progress is slow or stalled. Having patience is important. Lead by example. Encourage the person to lead a healthier, mood-boosting lifestyle by doing it yourself: maintain a positive outlook, eat better, avoid alcohol and drugs, exercise, and lean on others for support.

Encourage activity. Invite your loved one to join you in uplifting activities, like going to a funny movie or having dinner at a favorite restaurant.

Exercise is especially helpful , so try to get your depressed loved one moving. Going on walks together is one of the easiest options. Pitch in when possible. Seemingly small tasks can be very hard for someone with depression to manage. Offer to help out with household responsibilities or chores, but only do what you can without getting burned out yourself!

You can, however, control how well you take care of yourself. Remember the advice of airline flight attendants: put on your own oxygen mask before you assist anyone else.

In other words, make sure your own health and happiness are solid before you try to help someone who is depressed. Speak up for yourself. You may be hesitant to speak out when the depressed person in your life upsets you or lets you down. However, honest communication will actually help the relationship in the long run. Set boundaries. Of course you want to help, but you can only do so much. To avoid burnout and resentment, set clear limits on what you are willing and able to do.

Unfortunately, sometimes the person may be reluctant or may even refuse to get help. People may give a range of reasons as to why:. You could also talk about the positive effects of getting support. A trusted friend or family member may be able to get through to the person and raise some issues without posing a threat or creating apprehension.

In more extreme circumstances, where you are very concerned, you may consider contacting your GP to see if they can become involved or make a home visit. Your ultimate goal is to support the person, so try to keep this in mind even when they may be cross or agitated with you.

Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression may not always run a particular course where there is a clear beginning, middle and end. This however, can occur with some physical health problems — a diagnosis, treatment such as surgery or medication and then recovery. Following diagnosis, recovery from anxiety and depression can involve progressing through various stages.

It may include trialling different medications, treatments or health professionals. This can take time, persistence and patience. For some people, their condition may become so severe that they may feel these actions are their only option. Talk to the person about the issue of suicide when they aren't highly distressed and help them to develop a safety plan that can be used to cope should they be triggered and start heading into a suicidal crisis. If the person agrees, you could go together to the local hospital emergency department for assessment.

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