How to Approach a Depressed Patient

Most people who are depressed know it. But many of them don't want to or can't admit it for fear of feeling weak or vulnerable in the eyes of their friends. However, left unchecked, depression can sometimes seriously interfere with the life of the depressed person, and those who are in his life. While it may not be immediately popular, the best way to support your friend or loved one is to carefully approach him about his behavior and emotions.

Things You'll Need

• Depression for Dummies
• "What to Do When Someone You Love is Depressed," by Mitch and Susan Golant
• Patience

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Instructions

How to Approach a Depressed Patient

• 1

  Speak in a supportive tone and be gentle with the depressed person. Licensed social worker Allan Schwartz suggests that some people may become offended because of the denial that accompanies depression. Don't give ultimatums about going for help, but instead help the person understand that help is available and that it works.

• 2

  Educate yourself about depression. "Depression for Dummies" is actually a good place to start, as it helps you learn about the symptoms and different types of depression along with medications available to help ease the symptoms. The more you know about the disease, the better you'll be able to offer well-researched suggestions to your loved one. Mitch and Susan Golant's book "What to Do When Someone You Love is Depressed" will offer you some insight into how to respond to your loved one. One suggestion is to respond with a statement that offers to work through the pain together.

• 3

  Offer to work on things together. Don't let your loved one think she is battling the depression alone. When she complains that she can't imagine ever being happy, or getting out of bed, or makes any of the many statements of hopelessness, acknowledge the feeling and then offer to help. The Golants' book suggests responding with, "I know you feel that way now, but we can get through this together," or something similar.

• 4

  Find support groups or therapists in your neighborhood so that when your loved one is ready to listen to you, you'll have the information to seek help immediately. Your local branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will have resources to guide you.

• 5

  Don't give up. If your loved one is feeling too hopeless to seek help, keep trying to persuade him. Many people fear the stigma of mental illness or fear that their depression is so deep there is no reason to get help. If you continue to offer appropriate support he may one day be able to accept your help.