Depression is a serious disorder that influences millions of people, both young and old, worldwide. According to studies, more than 7% of all adults in the U.S. experienced a phase of major depression in 2017.
Not everyone experiences depression the same way because the symptoms can vary. If anyone around you is going through depression, you may usually find them sad or tearful, talking about guilt, and irritated quite often.
Your support, however, can help them overcome negative thoughts and recover quickly. Here’s how you can help a person going through depression.
Identify the Symptoms of Depression
It is important to understand the symptoms of depression. The affected person may show changes in behavior, including:
- Doesn’t care about anything: Is no longer interested in hobbies, work, and other activities.
- Expresses worthlessness: Is irritable, short-tempered – talks about despair.
- Often complains of pains and aches such as stomach problems, back pain, or headaches.
- Sleeps less than usual and feels fatigued all the time. Has become forgetful and disorganized.
Listen to them
The person going through depression needs someone to talk to, so let them know you’re there for them. You can initiate a conversation by sharing concerns and asking questions about what they have been thinking lately. Most often, they want to talk about their feelings but don’t want any advice.
Offer Help with Everyday Tasks
When dealing with depression, everyday activities can be overwhelming. Chores like laundry, grocery, cleaning, and paying the bill can pile up, making it harder to get them done in time. The person having depression may appreciate your offer to help but might be reluctant to admit it.
You can take them out for groceries, listen to cheerful music in the car and go to a coffee shop later. Keeping them engaged with outdoor activities promotes quick recovery.
Extend Invitations
People living with depression usually find it hard to reach out to friends. They may not be able to keep up with meeting plans which contribute to guilt. As a result of canceled plans, there are likely to be fewer invitations. These feelings increase isolation and worsen depression. You can continue to extend invitations to activities even if they are less likely to accept. Tell them that there’s no pressure to go out until they’re ready.
Help them find Professional Support
Most often, people having depression may not know about their condition or may be hesitant to seek support. Even if they know therapy could solve their problem, it can be intimidating to search for a therapist or make an appointment.
If the person opts for counseling, help them review potential therapists. Moreover, encourage them to make a list of questions they want to ask the therapist in the first session.
People going through depression are usually reluctant to go out. Online healthcare services, however, make life easier for such people. At FastDocNow, we provide virtual medical appointments, online medical services, and more. We offer online doctor visits from the comfort of your home.
Get in touch with us for further information or to book an online consultation.