How to Help Someone That Is Depressed

Depression is a serious illness that may cause a variety of emotional and physical symptoms, including persistent sadness, anxiety, loss of interest, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty sleeping, body aches or pain, and weight gain or loss. Most people who suffer from depression require professional treatment to overcome these symptoms. The support of friends or family, however, also can aid the person during her recovery.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself about depression symptoms and treatment options. Everyone experiences depression differently, with varying symptoms and levels of severity. Understanding depression can help you better understand what your loved one is going through.

• 2

  Encourage your loved one to seek treatment. Consider suggesting a visit to your loved one's regular doctor. Your loved one may be more comfortable explaining his situation to this doctor, who can assess the situation, discuss treatment options and refer your loved one to a mental health professional.

• 3

  Listen to your loved one's feelings and acknowledge them as valid. This can help you better understand what she is going through. Avoid criticizing or passing judgment during this time.

• 4

  Offer your time to help your loved one in whatever way he needs. This may include inviting him on outings or to social events, helping with errands or household chores, accompanying him to doctor's appointments or simply visiting him at home. Respect his decision if he declines, and offer your help at another time.

• 5

  Observe your loved one closely for signs of worsening depression. These may include worsening of depression symptoms your loved one already has been experiencing or thoughts of suicide, which may be represented by frequently talking about death, giving away possessions or writing a will, according to Mayo Clinic. Contact your loved one's doctor if depression symptoms seem to be worsening, and call 911 or another emergency service if you suspect the person will attempt suicide.