How Do You Help Someone With Depression

Do you have a friend or family member that either you think is or has been diagnosed with depression. If your first thought was: How do I help someone with depression? You may be feeling overwhelmed. Or you might feel as if there is nothing you can do. Don't despair there are some very simple, positive things that you can do.

First educate yourself about depression, its symptoms and treatments. With knowledge comes power. With knowledge about depression you'll be in a position to understand what your friend or family member is going through.

For example knowing that isolation is a symptom of depression as opposed to a reaction to you, you'll be able to offer support rather than taking her desire to isolate personally.

By doing research, you'll understand that depression is an illness. Knowing depression is an illness rather than a weakness will undoubtedly prevent hurtful statements such as: "Snap out of it", probably one of the worst things you can say to someone that is depressed.

Understand the warning signs of depression and help identify if she's getting worse, especially be able to recognize the most dangerous symptom of depression: suicide. By educating yourself about the warning signs and knowing whom to call and what to say if your friend if they are suicidal just might may save their life one day.

Being understanding, sympathetic and giving lots of reassurance will help immeasurably. Your friend or family member is feeling bad, having feelings of worthlessness, feeling like life is hopeless and may be having trouble doing things that once were normal parts of their daily routines.

Say things that offer reassurance. Things like: "I'll always be there for you", "You're not alone", "It will pass, we'll ride it out together", "I understand your pain, and I empathize with you", and "I love you."

Understand that if you ask someone suffering from depression if they feel OK, or are OK, they'll probably answer "yes." A better question to ask would be how do you feel today as compared to yesterday, or last week? This way you'll have a better understanding of how they really feel and be able to offer support and encouragement properly.

Often your friend or family member won't know or understand that they are depressed. Understand this and maintain support, without being overbearing. Be there for them when they are ready to talk.

Little things during this time can help immeasurably, send a card, keep in touch, even a quick phone call saying hello can help. The little things will mean more to someone that is depressed than you think. Even a quick e-mail with a smiley on it, will do wonders.

Your friend or family member may be having difficulty doing simple tasks, such as: paying bills, shopping for necessities, cleaning or even cooking. Offer to help on these simple tasks, if they say no, respect that. But again offer reassurance that if they do change their mind that you'll be there for them. Even ask again, pleasantly. Keep providing reassurance.

Another great way to help someone that is depressed is to help with Dr. appointments, medications and prescriptions. Offer help with maintaining any treatment, but it is best not to offer any advice on treatments.

Offer to take your friend or family member for walks, or going to a movie or restaurant. If they don't feel up to it, offer your reassurance, but ask again. Don't give up and stay positive.

Often times someone that is depressed has feelings of hopelessness, low-self-esteem and maybe even anger. Allowing them to talk about what they are feeling will help them get their feelings out in the open. Listen, don't criticize and offer plenty of encouragement and reassurance.

Don't forget about taking care of yourself. Do this first. The bottom line is if you wear yourself out, you can't help your friend. Take some time for yourself, especially if you live with the person your helping, such as a spouse or sibling.

Don't help too much. It's good to provide help, offer to go to movies, walks and help with day-to-day tasks, but if it begins to take too much time step back. Take time for yourself. This will keep you fresh, positive and happy. Your friend or family member needs your positive happy outlook, so take care of yourself.