About 280 million people around the world struggle with depression. This staggering statistic highlights just how prevalent depression is. Unfortunately, depression is an invisible disease that can be difficult to see from the outside looking in.
Chances are, someone you know and love may struggle with depression at some point in their life. Yet, all too often, many people struggling with mental illness never seek the essential professional treatment to better manage their symptoms. If you suspect someone you know is struggling with depression, read on to learn how to help someone with depression seek the proper care and support they need to improve their mental health and well-being.
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What is Depression?
First, before diving into questions like “How can I help someone with depression” it’s essential to understand what depression is and what depression isn’t. Depression is a common mental health disorder that negatively affects how someone feels, thinks, and acts. Many people with depression lose interest in activities that they once enjoyed. Also, people struggling with depression feel a sense of sadness or hopelessness that can negatively impact various aspects of their life, from their work or school life to relationships with friends and family.
While everyone gets sad from time to time, depression involves experiencing depressive symptoms for at least two weeks. It’s also important to note that many other conditions may mimic and have similar signs and symptoms, like depression. Therefore, receiving an accurate diagnosis of your depression from a medical professional is essential to ensure you are not struggling with another condition that involves depressive symptoms.
Common Signs of Depression
If you suspect someone you know is struggling with depression, below are some common signs and symptoms of depression to look out for:
- Feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Feelings of hopelessness or being pessimistic
- Feeling irritable or frustrated
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
- Decreased energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, oversleeping, or waking early in the morning
- Changes in appetite
- Thoughts of suicide
While anyone can feel sad from time to time, It is important to again remember that depression symptoms last for more than 2 weeks.
How to Help Someone with Depression
Now that you know more about what depression is, you may be wondering: “how do you help someone with depression?”
If you suspect a friend or family member may be struggling with depression, you may feel helpless or confused about how you can best help them get the help that they need. Many people with depression oftentimes either are unaware of their depression or feel ashamed about their depression and may not seek treatment because of this shame and guilt.
You can help someone with depression by first letting them know you’ve observed some actions or things they’ve said that seem like signs of depression. Then, after expressing the different signs of depression you’ve seen in them and sharing your concern about their mental health, it’s important to address that professional help is available.
Let the person know that seeking professional mental health treatment is important. And, also express that you would be willing to help them along their treatment journey, whether that be helping them set up an appointment (or whatever the case may be) so that person feels supported.
Help Is Available At Southern Sky Recovery
Now you know more about how to help someone with depression. Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people. If you suspect someone you know is struggling with depression, it can oftentimes be challenging to know what to do or what to say to best help your friend or family member get the help that they need to better manage their mental illness.
The best way to help someone is by addressing your concern and helping them seek professional mental health treatment to better manage their depression. Treatment centers offer a wide range of comprehensive treatment options to best help patients improve their mental health and live a better quality of life.
At Southern Sky Recovery, we offer a variety of treatment methods to help every patient improve their mental health. Plus, we treat a range of mental health conditions, from depression to anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and more.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, contact our outpatient rehab in Bluffton today.
