How to Care for Loved Ones With Depression

Loved ones suffering from depression experience extended periods of low moods. This causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, sleeping problems and physical pain to the sufferer. Because of feelings of worthlessness, often depression sufferers tend to isolate themselves from others.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Caring for a Loved One With Depression

1. Make conversation. If possible, try not to let them keep their feelings bottled up inside. Encourage a dialogue by first letting them know how much people care about them and their well-being. Listen intently as they start to open up about how they are feeling inside.

2. Find support groups. Support groups not only provide help for the sufferer but also those caring for them. Locate a group in your area for your loved one to attend. If they are not ready, keep the number handy and bring it up from time to time. If they see you regularly attending, they may become inclined to join you.

3. Track appointments. Know when they have scheduled visits with their doctor and offer to go along for the ride to keep them company. The purpose of going with them is not to inquire about what the conversation between them and their doctor entailed; it is to offer support.

4. Stop trying to fixing it. Watching someone we love with depression is hard. The natural thing to want to do is to try to fix it. You cannot rescue them from depression, nor can you fix the problem. Neither is it your responsibility whether they are happy or not. It is ultimately up to the depressed person to reach out for the help they need to recover.

5. Practice patience. Know that going for treatment is not a cure all. It can become frustrating to you when you notice little or no progress over time. The recovery process for depression does not happen in just a few visits and may even require an extended period before any noticeable changes occur.

6. Stay active. Engage them in fun activities like playing sports or exercising, going to the movies or out to dinner. Go for long beautiful walks together, taking note of the wonders of nature. If they are not agreeable at first, do not push, but also do not stop asking either.

7. Take the lead. Eat right, exercise, stay positive and avoid over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages. Set a good example for them to pattern their own behaviors after. This not only helps them to feel better, you also feel better by first taking care of yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Help with routine tasks that have become difficult to manage by your loved one.
• Do not become so involved that you find yourself overwhelmed by the constant negative actions of your loved one.

References

• Depression in loved ones
• When a loved one has depression

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