Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

Supporting someone with depression can be challenging, but it is essential for their recovery and wellbeing. Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, characterised by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and various physical and emotional problems. Understanding how to support someone with depression involves empathy, patience, and practical strategies. This article explores effective ways to support someone with depression, supported by scientific research.

Keywords: how to support someone with depression, supporting a loved one with depression, depression help, mental health support, Australian mental health

Depression is more than just feeling sad; it is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Symptoms can include persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and difficulty concentrating (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It is crucial to approach someone with depression with empathy and understanding.

Understanding depression is the first step in providing effective support. Educate yourself about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of depression to better understand what your loved one is going through.

• Learn the Symptoms: Recognise the signs of depression to better understand their behaviour and needs (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020).
• Understand the Treatments: Familiarise yourself with treatment options, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, so you can offer informed support (Mayo Clinic, 2018).

One of the most important things you can do is to be present and available. Offer a listening ear and let them know that you are there for them.

• Active Listening: Practice active listening by paying full attention, nodding, and providing verbal affirmations. Avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice (Rogers & Farson, 1987).
• Show Empathy: Validate their feelings and experiences without judgement. Statements like “I’m here for you” or “That sounds really tough” can be comforting (Neff, 2011).

Encourage your loved one to seek professional help if they haven’t already. Offer to assist them in finding a therapist or accompany them to appointments if they feel comfortable.

• Provide Information: Share resources about mental health professionals and how to access services (Black Dog Institute, 2020).
• Support Appointments: Offer to drive them to appointments or help them schedule sessions with mental health professionals (Australian Psychological Society, 2021).

Depression can make daily tasks overwhelming. Offering practical help can relieve some of their burden and show that you care.

• Assist with Chores: Help with household chores, shopping, or other responsibilities that might feel overwhelming (Jorm et al., 2005).
• Encourage Self-Care: Gently encourage them to engage in self-care activities like eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep (WHO, 2017).

Recovery from depression can be a slow process with ups and downs. Patience and persistence are crucial in providing ongoing support.

• Consistency is Key: Continue to offer support even if they seem resistant or unresponsive. Consistent support can build trust and show your commitment (Coyne, 1976).
• Avoid Pressure: Don’t pressure them to “snap out of it” or do things they’re not ready for. Respect their pace of recovery (Beck, 1976).

Supporting someone with depression can be emotionally taxing. Ensure you also take care of your own mental health.

• Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your experiences and feelings (Kessler et al., 2001).
• Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, ensuring you maintain your own wellbeing (Neff, 2011).

Effective communication is vital in supporting someone with depression. Here are some tips:

• Use Open-Ended Questions: Ask questions that encourage them to express their feelings, such as “How have you been feeling lately?” (Rogers & Farson, 1987).
• Avoid Minimising Their Experience: Avoid saying things like “Everyone feels down sometimes” or “Just think positive.” These statements can feel dismissive (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
• Express Concern Without Judgement: Let them know you’re concerned about their wellbeing without making them feel judged or guilty (Neff, 2011).

Supporting someone with depression requires empathy, patience, and practical strategies. By educating yourself, being there for them, encouraging professional help, offering practical assistance, being patient, and taking care of yourself, you can make a significant difference in their recovery journey. Remember, your support can provide the comfort and encouragement they need to seek help and work towards recovery.

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Australian Psychological Society. (2021). Seeking help. Retrieved from https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Find-a-psychologist
• Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. New York: International Universities Press.
• Black Dog Institute. (2020). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/depression/
• Coyne, J. C. (1976). Depression and the response of others. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 85(2), 186-193.
• Jorm, A. F., Medway, J., Christensen, H., Korten, A. E., Jacomb, P. A., & Rodgers, B. (2005). Public beliefs about the helpfulness of interventions for depression: Effects on actions taken when experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 34(4), 619-626.
• Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602.
• Mayo Clinic. (2018). Depression (major depressive disorder). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Depression: Overview. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
• Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-compassion, self-esteem, and wellbeing. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5(1), 1-12.
• Rogers, C. R., & Farson, R. E. (1987). Active listening. Communications in Business Today, 1(1), 1-8.
• World Health Organization. (2017). Depression and other common mental disorders: Global health estimates. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/254610

How to get in touch

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