Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

Supporting a friend who is struggling with depression can be challenging, especially when you’re unsure what to do or say. In Australia, where mental health awareness is growing, understanding how to effectively support someone with depression is increasingly important. This article provides guidance based on psychological research for those seeking to help friends battling depression.

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a serious mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and a range of emotional and physical problems. Key signs include withdrawal from social activities, changes in appetite or sleep, and expressions of hopelessness (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

1. Listen Without Judgment: One of the most important things you can do is to listen empathetically. It’s crucial to offer an open, non-judgmental space for your friend to share their feelings (Joiner et al., 2007).
2. Encourage Professional Help: Gently encourage your friend to seek professional help. Depression is a treatable condition, and a mental health professional can provide the necessary care and support (Andersson et al., 2014).
3. Stay Connected: Regular contact can make a difference. Simple gestures like sending a text, making a phone call, or planning short visits can help your friend feel less isolated (Pfeiffer et al., 2011).
4. Help with Daily Tasks: Depression can make even small tasks feel overwhelming. Offering help with daily chores or errands can be a practical way to support your friend.
5. Encourage Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activities together, like walking or a fitness class, can have mood-boosting effects. Physical exercise has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression (Schuch et al., 2016).
6. Be Patient and Understanding: Recovery from depression can take time. It’s important to be patient and understand that your friend’s mood and energy levels can fluctuate.
7. Educate Yourself About Depression: Understanding depression, its symptoms, and treatments can better equip you to support your friend. Knowledge can also dispel common misconceptions about depression (Whitney et al., 2010).

• Avoid dismissive statements like “just cheer up” or “you’ll get over it.”
• Don’t take their symptoms or behaviour personally.
• Avoid forcing them into social situations they’re not comfortable with.

Supporting a friend with depression requires empathy, patience, and understanding. Listening, encouraging professional help, staying connected, and offering practical support are all effective ways to help. Remember, while you can provide support, professional treatment is crucial for someone with depression.

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Joiner, T. E., et al. (2007). The interpersonal theory of suicide: Guidance for working with suicidal clients. American Psychological Association.
• Andersson, G., et al. (2014). Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 34(4), 259-268.
• Pfeiffer, P. N., et al. (2011). Efficacy of peer support interventions for depression: a meta-analysis. General Hospital Psychiatry, 33(1), 29-36.
• Schuch, F. B., et al. (2016). Exercise as a treatment for depression: A meta-analysis adjusting for publication bias. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 77, 42-51.
• Whitney, S. D., et al. (2010). Understanding depression literacy’s link to psychiatric treatment: Modeling the knowledge to action process. Community Mental Health Journal, 46(4), 431-441.

How to get in touch

If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@therapynearme.com.au.