Depression Support

Depression can be so debilitating. In the US it is estimated that 10% of people are suffering with depression. Because depression is a mental illness it can be very hard to understand and to support a loved one who is depressed. Here are a few things that might help:

1. Help your loved one find help. Depression can take the energy out of you. If you know someone struggling with depression, encourage them – gently – to seek out help. You might even offer to help with specific tasks, like looking up therapists in the area.
2. Don’t downplay their experience. This goes for many things, but unless you have personally experienced it, don’t make assumptions that things are not as bad as they seem to the person.
3. Have a conversation. Talking helps. You cant always “see” depression and it’s symptoms. Even if things seem to be looking better for your loved one be sure to continue the conversation and ask how they are doing and how they are feeling.