How do you help if your love one is depressed? I feel very helpless!?

Question

How do you help if your love one is depressed? I feel very helpless!?

Answer 1

My guess is you are not depressed while you are having an o****m, know what I mean?

Answer 2

Try to find out what is causing the depression.  Be supportive and listen without interrupting.

Try to get them involved in some type of activity.

Let them know you are concerned about them and would like to take them to a doctor to make sure everything is okay.

Answer 3

Being there for them helps.  Offer your ears to listen or a shoulder to cry on.  Encourage your loved one to share their thoughts or feelings with you.  If they are feeling hopeless or suicidal, keeping the lines of communication open will help you to be more aware of what they are thinking or feeling and enable you to get help for them if they are not able or willing to get help for themselves.  Take mention of suicide and self harm seriously, and don't get angry if your loved one says that they feel like hurting themselves - this is not coming from the logical part of them, but rather the sick part of them.

A daily phone call to chat, or stopping by to bring them a special treat can help to brighten someones day more than you may think, and it also helps you to keep a close eye on your loved one to make sure they are doing ok.

Encourage your loved one to maintain a schedule of getting up at the same time each day and maintaining a routine of hygiene and activity.  The worst possible thing that you could do is give up on them, as helpless as you may feel.

There are many books available about depression and depression support for friends and family, maybe check one out at your local bookstore or library.  Better understanding "depression" can help you to help them.

Feel free to e-mail me with questions, I've been there!!

Answer 4

The only advice I have for you is to be as supportive as you can.  Be there for them when they ask for help.  If you feel they are suicidal don't stand by and watch...get them help or talk them into getting help.