How do you help a loved one suffering from depression?

Have you noticed some signs of depression in your close friend, relative, child, partner or lover? Perhaps a drastic change in mood after a certain incident? If you suspect your loved one is suffering from depression, lending your support is vital to them.

What are the common symptoms of depression?

First, let's look at some of the major symptoms of depression:

• Sudden emotional outbursts

• Significant weight loss or gain

• Feeling lethargic and restless

• Lack of interest in daily routine

• Change in sleeping habits

• Loss of confidence and ability to make decisions

• Negative worldview, talking about suicide

What can you do to help?

If you strongly believe that most of the above symptoms describe your loved one's current condition, then you will want to extend extra care and support to them. Getting your loved one to actually recognize their condition is a good first step. They might be suffering but are not aware or not willing to admit it. You can try hinting by bringing up books or articles on depression. Help them to figure out how to fight depression.

Here are some basic steps you can take to help your loved one suffering from depression:

• Be there for the person. Do not isolate them or leave them alone. Let them know that you are there for them and that they can depend on you for support. Depressed people will typically want to isolate themselves, and while you do want to respect and give them some space, try and gently persuade them to talk to you and participate in group activities, or at least in activities involving just the two of you. Interaction with others can help greatly in countering depression.

• If you believe the depression is severe (e.g. the person has voiced out suicidal thoughts), advise your loved one to seek professional help and accompany them on their visits to the counselor or doctor. Anti-depressant medication has some side-effects, but they do help in the initial stages of the more severe cases of depression.

• Do not lose your temper with the person. Depressed people will normally have drastic mood swings and may take out their frustrations on their most loved ones. Patience is key when dealing with such situations. Let them vent their feelings of despair and anger on you, listen to them but do not judge them. Remember they are not in their best state of mind and that they need you.

• Take note of your loved one's nutrition and amount of rest. Make sure they are eating healthily and keeping themselves well-hydrated, and are getting adequate amount of sleep (not too little, but not too much either). At the same time, make sure you are taking care of yourself so that you don't succumb to the depression too!

  
  

Never give up

Seeing your loved one suffering from depression can be devastating. Have patience and show them that you care for them and that life is not always bleak; there is always sunshine after the rain. Never lose hope that your loved one will recover from depression. Learning how to help someone with depression is not easy, but is well worth the effort. Your support might just save a life.