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Coping

How to Help a Loved One With Depression

Aug 30, 2017
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Wife comforting her anxious and sad husband

Showing Support

Aside from knowing the symptoms and telling the person affected that you're there for them, here are some other ways that you can show support:

Recommend Helpful Resources

If your loved one has just recently been diagnosed it's important for them to have some resources available to them.

Providing them with the resources that have helped you is not only an excellent way to show support, but it also shows how much you care about them because you've done research.

Join a Class Together

Classes and activities are great ways to battle depression; it doesn't have to be a fitness class, as creative outlets are also helpful.

Signing up together makes it more fun and provides you with an opportunity to get them engaged in something new.

Get Out of the House

Those suffering from depression often don't have the energy or motivation to leave the house. Offering to go for a walk, even just around the block can help to lift someone's spirits.

If they're up for it, take them out for coffee or a meal; they'll enjoy spending time with you, and it will break up their routine.

Be Patient

Depression is a hard battle; some are affected a lot more than others, and it can take a while before they find a treatment that works for them. It can be frustrating to see your loved one suffering, but it's important that you continuously remind them of your support and don't give up on them.

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Don't Criticize

Chances are they are already pretty hard to themselves, so you need to step in with positive words and gentle reminders that they are loved.

Depression affects everybody differently, and they may have some good days, and then all of a sudden have a bad one. Don't criticize them for that; just continue showing your love and support and remind them that even though it probably doesn't feel like it, the bad day(s) will pass.

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Next page: How to encourage treatment and why it's important to look after yourself too, and additional tips on how to help someone with depression.

Natasha Devine
As someone who has depression, Natasha is grateful that she can use her experience to empower others who are struggling. In addition to writing and blogging at It’s A Devine Life, Natasha enjoys photography, movies, hiking, and studying yoga. Read my story here. See all of Natasha's articles
More Articles by Natasha
Lana Barhum
Lana Barhum is a freelance medical and health writer from Northeast Ohio. She has written for a variety of online health publications, including the Pain News Network, Alliance Health, Upwell, Mango Health, and The Mighty. Having lived with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 2008, Lana uses her experiences to share expert advice on various chronic illness and medical topics. See all of Lana's articles
More Articles by Lana
Resources
  • The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (Understand the Facts: Depression)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (Depression: What You Need to Know)
  • Psych Central (9 Best Ways to Support Someone with Depression)
  • Psychology Today (Living with a Depressed Loved One)
  • Mayo Clinic (Depression: Supporting a Family Member or Friend)
  • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (Helping a Friend or Family Member with Depression or Bipolar Disorder)
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