How to Help Someone in Depression Denial

Depression can have serious effects on the lives of people who suffer from it, as well as people close to them, like friends and family members. According to psychcentral.com, denial can be a major problem in the treatment of depression. If someone cannot see that there is a problem in the first place, it can be almost impossible for him to recover. Make sure to support loved ones who have been diagnosed with clinical depression, despite difficult times, since it can be vital to the success of their medical treatment.

Instructions

• 1

  Make sure that the family member or friend in question is actually suffering from a diagnosable mental illness. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat mental illness. When someone has simply been sad for a long time and not actually suffering from clinical depression, trying to "support" her by pressuring her to admit she has an undiagnosed problem may actually worsen her mood and lead to prolonged depression symptoms, especially if relationships become damaged. If a loved one has been down and out for too long, try suggesting that she talk to someone about it before making a diagnosis independently.

• 2

  Remember that depression symptoms are different in different people, according to MayoClinic.com. Some loved ones may seem especially withdrawn and even uninterested in people they once cared about. This may be difficult to cope with. Keep in mind that the person will begin to recover once he starts to accept diagnosis and treatment. This will be easier for him if his family and friends stick by his side.

• 3

  Talk openly to someone suffering from depression about the consequences it is having on the relationship. But make it clear that no blame or disappointment is being placed on the person suffering from depression. Being clear about the fact that depression has caused emotional problems in other people can help people in denial of depression understand they are important to others. Understanding that people care about them might lessen fears about having a mental illness that leads to denial. Try saying, for instance, "You do not seem well. That makes me sad," instead of, "I do not like being around you when you are like this."

• 4

  Understand that denial might not be alleviated immediately. According to psychcentral.com, denial is a way that some people have learned to cope with disturbing information in general, not just depression diagnosis. Try giving a loved one with depression denial a little wiggle room to decrease anxiety about the process. Let the depressed individual know, for instance, that she does not have to believe you that therapy will help, but that going could not hurt. If someone is especially opposite, try switching it around. State, for instance, that at least going to therapy could definitely prove everyone wrong about the diagnosis, if the denial is, in fact, justified.