5 Ways To Help Someone Who Is Dealing With Depression

 / 

Help Someone Dealing With Depression

Dealing with depression is a mammoth thing as it is, and only those who have gone through it or are going through it knows the pain. If you genuinely want to help someone who is dealing with depression, then one of the best things you can do is support them and be there for them.

Suicide usually becomes a national topic when a celebrity or public figure dies from it. Itโ€™s a difficult subject to discuss due to the stigma still attached and it does feel easier to post a national suicide hotline on social media rather than have those difficult conversations. Although calling a number can save a life, most people in a suicidal state do not have the will to dial those numbers. When your mental health is suffering, actively seeking help is almost impossible.

According to the World Health Organization, a person takes their own life every forty seconds and in the U.S. alone, there are 25 attempts for every successful suicide. It is a global issue that not only results in the loss of life but affects millions of people who are left asking questions that they will never get answers to. In most cases, those who have experienced a suicide attempt experienced debilitating depression leading up to their decision. As reported by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), most than 90% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder.

I am not a psychiatrist or a mental health professional, but what I do know, I know from experience. Two years ago, I tried to take my own life. Luckily, I was rushed to the hospital in time, got the help I needed, and to this day, continue to recover. In the last two years since then, Iโ€™ve experienced numerous bouts of depression but because of my support system, it has never gotten to the point where suicide was an option again.

A major way to prevent suicide or help those that are on the verge of it is to identify early signs of depression. It is so easy to feel helpless when watching someone you love struggle but there are several things you can do to help. Below are some of the ways to help those in need and possibly prevent the loss of life.

Here Are 5 Ways To Help Someone Who Is Dealing With Depression

1. Be Present.

You may not know exactly what someone is going through, but let them know that youโ€™re thereโ€ฆand genuinely mean it. I remember a few days before my incident, a friend told me to come over. She knew I had been going through a very difficult time, and like a good friend, she wanted to be there for me.

At the time, I didnโ€™t want to be alone, so I took her in on that offer. What I thought would be an hour or two of conversation and much-needed distraction became an hour or two of watching her scroll through her phone.

I know she didnโ€™t mean any harm, but it made me feel even more alone. In my mind, this person really wasnโ€™t there. She was sitting in front of me, but she wasnโ€™t present. A few days later, I was in the hospital.

When youโ€™re trying to help a friend, give them 100% of your attention. Put your phone away, sit with them, and listen. Whether they decide to talk or not, dedicate that time to your friend. Your presence means more than you will ever know.

Related: How to Ask for Help With Depression: 8 Ways To Reach Out & Start Recovering

2. Continue to check-in.

If you know someone is not in a great state, and you havenโ€™t heard from them, get in touch. A simple text or phone call can make a huge difference. Even if they are not engaged or responsive, that message sitting in their text app signifies that they are not alone.

During periods of crippling depression, morning anxiety was a daily fixture for me. I would wake up feeling paralyzed, afraid to get out of bed and face the day. The thought of walking into work put me in panic mode, but because of one amazing friend, I got through it.

As disengaged as I was, this friend did not give up. I woke up to daily texts, funny memes, and emojis ensuring me that despite my unresponsiveness, there were still people that were not giving up on me. It is so easy to take rejections personally, but when someone is in a state of depression, their lack of engagement has nothing to do with you. Make those calls, send those texts, and even though you know the answer will be no, continue inviting them to hangouts and events.

3. Advocate for them.

This one is a little tougher. During my โ€œlost yearโ€ (thatโ€™s what I call the year that I was at my worst mental state), I had zero energy to focus on getting help. My goal every day wasnโ€™t getting through work, going to school, or running errands, it was simply trying to stay alive. It was making sure I didnโ€™t actively try and kill myself. Because of my severe mental state, I was in no position to advocate for myself.

Luckily, my friends and family made sure I continued getting the help I needed. Whether it was driving me to appointments, sitting next to me in waiting rooms under those clinical lights, to simply doing the research I couldnโ€™t, they stayed on top of it.

If someone is in a debilitating state of depression, itโ€™s more than likely that they are not actively seeking help. Be the person who gets help for them. Whether itโ€™s navigating the mental health system, getting more information on services and free clinics, to gathering useful information that they may need, taking the initiative is another way to be there for them. Donโ€™t just tell them that it will be okay, show them.

Want to know more about how you can help someone dealing with depression? Check this video out below:

Help someone dealing with depression

4. Know when to listen and when to talk.

Sometimes, being an active listener is all that it takes to help someone. It may not completely cure them of their depression, but oftentimes, those that are suffering are bottling up emotions that are weighing them down. When someone is dealing with mental health issues, it is so easy for them to get caught up in their own thoughts.

You may not have the answers to their problems, but allowing them to express what theyโ€™re feeling and going through gives them a certain sense of validation.

Then there are moments when hearing you talk is what they need. There were moments when all I wanted was a distraction from my mind. Whether it was hearing someone elseโ€™s story or simply talking about small and light things such as the latest Marvel movie that just came out, hearing someone else speak would quiet the negative thoughts in my head, even if it was just temporarily.

I guess the trick is to know when to talk and when to listen. Feel out the vibe that theyโ€™re giving. Read their face and really try and connect with what they want even if theyโ€™re not verbally expressing it.

Related: 8 Things You MUST Know To Understand Your Partnerโ€™s Depression

5. Do the simple things that they canโ€™t do for themselves.

When someone is experiencing severe depression, simple chores and tasks get thrown out of the window. A clear sign of whether or not I am struggling with an episode is seeing the state of my bedroom. Iโ€™m normally a tidy person, but when depression is taking over, I do not have the energy to clean up after myself. It takes all of the effort in the world to get out of bed and anything beyond that is impossible.

If you suspect that someone is struggling, offer to help them with some of the simple things. Iโ€™ve had people pick up groceries for me when they knew I wasnโ€™t eating properly or offer to run some of my errands. As much as I resisted, it was a tremendous help.

It didnโ€™t just save me from taking a trip outside, but it showed that they truly did care. Instead of thinking that I was lazy and unmotivated, I knew they saw my struggle and understood the exhaustion and physical toll it took on me.

No mental illness is the same, and there is never just one reason why someone decides to commit suicide. Truthfully, trying to help someone in a dire mental state can be one of the most difficult things to do. There is no guidebook on how to 100% cure depression and sometimes, the person in trouble may not even want the help youโ€™re trying to give.

In cases like these, it is so easy to feel helpless which oftentimes leads to inaction. By understanding that disengagement and isolation are just a few symptoms of mental illness, it is important to not take the rejection you might feel personally.

Considering that the rate of depression and suicide gets higher each year, it is better to act than not act at all. The most important thing to remember is that suicide is preventable and most mental illnesses are treatable. Getting someone the help they need is the most important step in preventing the loss of life. It is also important to not give up when someone you love is hurting. Your presence means more than you will ever know.


Written By Syrah Caparas
Originally Appeared In Thought Catalog

When you are looking to help someone who is dealing with depression, always know that being there for them and lending an ear, are sometimes the best things you can do for them. Your presence is important and never giving up on someone dealing with depression can go a long way in helping them feel better.

Help Someone Dealing With Depression pin

— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply



Up Next

Feeling Blue? 9 Signs of Mild Depression You Shouldn’t Ignore For A Brighter Tomorrow

Feeling Blue? Signs of Mild Depression

Have you ever found yourself feeling down, lacking motivation, or losing interest in activities you once enjoyed? If so, you may be experiencing mild depression. It’s essential to recognize the signs of mild depression and understand its causes and treatment options. 

What is Mild Depression?

Mild depression, also known as dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder, is a form of depression that lies on the milder end of the depressive spectrum



Up Next

Masculinity And Mental Health: 12 Warning Signs of Depression In Men And What To Do

Signs of Depression in Men You Shouldn't Ignore

Do you often feel frustrated, irritable, and withdrawn? If you are a man and if you are frequently in a bad mood, then itโ€™s likely that you have male depression. The shadows of masculinity can often hide the signs of depression in men.

Male mental health is a topic we rarely talk about as a society that is supposed to be fair and equal. Yet, societal expectations often silence the cries for help from men who suffer from depression. 

But letโ€™s change that today! Depression affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of gender. However, men often face unique challenges when it comes to recognizing and addressing



Up Next

Battling Post Graduation Depression: 7 Powerful Strategies To Crush Post-Grad Blues After College

Coping with Post Graduation Depression: Powerful Tips

Did you experience a mix of excitement and uncertainty after completing your graduation? The transition from the structured world of academia to the uncharted territory of post-graduation life can be overwhelming. This can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions, including post-graduation depression.

Let us explore what is post grad depression, its symptoms, and most importantly, effective strategies on how to overcome post graduation depression. So, if you’re a recent graduate struggling to find your footing, keep reading – there is hope on the other side!

What is Post Grad Depression?

Post graduation depression, also known as post grad



Up Next

7 Signs Of Endogenous Depression And How To Treat It

Signs Of Endogenous Depression And How To Treat It

Endogenous depression is classified as a major depressive disorder, a mood disorder characterised by persistent and intense feelings of sadness that can last for extended periods of time.

Psychology differentiates two types of depression: endogenous (causes from within the person) and exogenous (causes relate to external events in a personโ€™s life).

Understanding Endogenous Depression

It is thought of as a type of depression in which there are no external changes that



Up Next

Philosophy And Depression: Does Studying Philosophy Make You Depressed?

Is There A Connection Between Philosophy And Depression?

Ever thought about the purpose of life? Or maybe about the nature of reality? If so, you may be curious about the fascinating realm of philosophy. However, most people believe that philosophy and depression are closely related. 

So is it true that studying philosophy makes you depressed? Can being philosophical lead to a state of existential angst and melancholy? 

For centuries, this field of philosophical study has been a source of curiosity and reflection. Whether it’s the deep thoughts of ancient Greek philosophers or contemporary philosophical musings, philosophy has molded our beliefs & understanding of the world around us and how we fit into it.

So today let us find the answer to the age old question – Does studying philosophy make you depressed? 



Up Next

Loneliness Or Solitude? 5 Social Withdrawal Symptoms And How To Overcome

Social Withdrawal Symptoms And How To Overcome

Do you ever feel like just running away from everyone and hiding in your room where no one will bother you? Do you think it is better to be alone than being around people? Excessive and persistent social withdrawal can be a serious problem and the first step to overcoming it is by identifying social withdrawal symptoms.

What is Social Withdrawal?

Social withdrawal is defined as an ongoing pattern of avoiding or reducing social interaction consistently over time. It often involves a strong preference for being alone and reduced interests in engaging in any form of social activities. 



Up Next

How Do Dogs Help with Depression: Exploring 5 Pawsitive Impacts!

How Do Dogs Help with Depression: Psychological Benefits!

The attachment that humans make with dogs goes beyond affability. To learn how do dogs help with depression is to consider not only the happiness they bring but also their deeper healing capacities for mental health.ย 

In the present fast-paced and challenging world where mental well-being is as important as physical fitness. The connection between humans and dogs is both ancient and deep. For centuries these creatures have been more than pets; they have been trusted friends, company during difficult times, unfailing love, etc.

This articl