{"id":129112,"date":"2021-07-14T02:07:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-14T09:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/?p=129112"},"modified":"2024-02-08T03:01:31","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T10:01:31","slug":"5-ways-you-can-help-a-loved-one-with-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/articles\/5-ways-you-can-help-a-loved-one-with-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways You Can Help A Loved One With Depression"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Knowing the signs of depression<\/strong> is one of the best ways to get ahead of the condition. As a supportive friend or family member, it\u2019s possible to identify behaviors or patterns in someone you love and get them the help they need. More often than not, you notice small changes that are cause for concern. What can you do to help, though?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last thing you want to do is diagnose someone with a mental health problem. It\u2019s possible that someone can feel down without experiencing full depression. Clinical psychiatrists say that behavior that interferes with day-to-day functioning for a long time is a telltale sign of depression. Someone feeling this way can still engage in regular activities. It\u2019s not as if depression patients are incapable of functioning. Clinical depression, however, can cause a general disinterest or withdrawal from friend groups and day-to-day activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn The Signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Helping someone with depression is no easy feat. You may even feel helpless and not know what to do or where to start. The best place to start is learning how to identify the signs of depression. The following list includes common signs of depression.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Loss of interest or pleasure in regular activities (hobbies, sports, or even sex)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Changes in appetite (reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for unhealthy foods)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
General feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Anxiety, restlessness, or mood swings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or concentrating<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Insomnia or too much sleep<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Slowed body movements, speaking, or thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Feelings of worthlessness (fixating on past failures)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Frequent mention of death or suicidal thoughts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
People who have severe depression often make their symptoms noticeable, simply because of their declining mental health. They aren\u2019t seeking attention from others. If you know someone who displays signs of depression, the following tips may help you help them in an encouraging, loving way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Show Empathy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s best to always put yourself in the shoes of the person with depression. Approach and talk to them in a non-judgmental way. How would you feel if you had to cope with depression? When you answer this question, you may better relate to the person you want to help. The most important thing you can do is listen, maintain eye contact during conversation, and support them. If you have personally dealt with bouts of depression, open up about it so that they know you understand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n