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Advice to Give a Depressed Person

Depression is a serious condition that can lead to tragic consequences when it is not treated as soon as possible. When a loved one is depressed, finding the right words to say to her can seem like an impossible challenge. The condition may cause the patient to be unable to see her own symptoms or recognize that it is time to seek help. According to the Mayo Clinic, depression rarely improves on its own and may even worsen if left untreated.

  1. Seek Help

    • It is possible that you may be the first person to see that something is wrong with your loved one. Learn as much as you can about depression so that you can offer advice from a strong position. Learning about depression can help you to recognize the symptoms. Encourage your loved one to seek help from a trained doctor or psychologist. It is very difficult for someone with depression to research her own illness. The disease robs the person of any motivation and energy. If you are able to find some professionals in your area, you can offer to get phone numbers and information for her. Seeking professional help for depression is the best advice you can give her.

    Provide Support

    • Be there for your loved one. This is much easier said than done and is truly an act of love and caring. Listen to her worries and help her see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Try to plan some activities that you can enjoy together. You may not get a positive response from this in the beginning, but keep on trying. Just be willing to listen when she needs you.

    Understand the Illness

    • Dealing with someone with depression can be an overwhelming challenge. Understand that some of the thinking or words that are coming from her are a result of the illness. Depression is very misunderstood and is much more than feeling sad. Some people are under the mistaken impression that depression is a sign of weakness or that all a depressed patient needs is to get over her disease. Recognize that your loved one may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel or pull herself up without help and support.

      While it may be a challenge to know what to say to your loved one, understanding that it is a real illness is a good first step in helping her. Let her know that you are there and will support her through this difficult time in her life. Sometimes that is all that is needed.

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