
Supporting a loved one with depression is a complicated task filled with numerous challenges. Many people who are trying to support someone with depression tend to feel hopeless and overwhelmed with trying to make the situation better.
Read along for a few steps you can take to make this challenge a bit easier. Find our tips broken down into three stages: before diagnosis, during treatment, and after treatment.
Before Diagnosis
- Start by educating yourself on the many symptoms of depression. This will help you learn more about the signs to recognize and you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the illness.
- Talk to your loved one. Ask questions about how they’re feeling, if they need help, if they are dealing with challenges, if they feel stressed or sad, and if there’s anything you can do to help.
- Let your loved one know you’re there from them. Remind them of this continuously. Whether you speak in person, leave a note, call, or send an email or text, this small gesture goes a very long way.
- Encourage your loved one to seek treatment from a medical professional such as a doctor, psychologist, or counselor. Remind them that depression is a medical illness, not something to be ashamed of.
- Offer to set up an appointment for medical help.
- Try to keep aware of your loved one’s symptoms and take notice if any symptoms seem to be intensify. You may be able to notice a deepening depression through things your loved one says, changes in how much they’re willing to communicate, variations in weight or eating habits, and other behavioral differences.
- Understand that a loved one with depression is at increased risk for suicide. Make sure you know what warning signs to be aware of and look for.
- If the depression becomes serious or concerning and your loved one resists treatment, you may need to get in touch with a doctor or hospital on their behalf. This means calling 911 if they’re at risk of suicide or another form of self-harm.
- Take care of yourself. Supporting a loved one with depression can be very tiring and lead to burnout. Don’t be afraid to ask for support from family members and friends. Be sure to take time to talk through things that may be bothering you. You won’t be able to support your loved one with depression without first caring for yourself.
During Treatment
- Continue your education. Once your loved one has received a formal diagnosis, you should continue to do your own homework by reading up on their condition.
- Encourage your loved one to continue their treatment regimen. Remind them that depression usually improves with some form of treatment, whether it’s counseling, medication, TMS therapy, or something else.
- Check in from time to time to ask if they have been going to psychotherapy, TMS treatments, and/or taking their prescribed medication.
- Offer to join appointments. Many people with depression or other psychological conditions are uncomfortable with the idea of therapy and other types of treatment. They may find comfort in having you along for support.
- Continue to offer to set up appointments for your loved one, or to help out in any other ways they may need.
- Suggest that your loved one tries attending a support group. Whether online or in person, support groups are another good way of reminding someone they are not alone in their struggle.
- Encourage your loved one to maintain hope. Remind them that they won’t always feel down.
- Remind your loved one of why they are important to you and others in their life, with a focus on highlighting positive qualities.
- Do things to make your loved one smile. This can be as simple as telling a joke or buying them something small like flowers or a coffee.
- Remind your loved one of the importance of self care. This includes eating and sleeping well, maintaining therapy and medication regimens, exercising, and more.
- Continue your own self care regimen.
After Treatment
- Continue to ask questions. Check in with your loved regularly one to see how they’re feeling and if there’s anything you can do to help. Let them know you’re there if they need you.
- Continue to try to make your loved one smile and remind them how important they are to you.
- Listen. Be a sounding board when your loved one wants to talk, whether they want to talk about positive aspects of their life or the challenges they’re facing.
- Check in from time to time to see if your loved one feels like they need to start treatment again. This might mean starting up with a treatment regimen from the past or trying something new, like TMS therapy.
TMS Neuro Institute is one of the earliest adopters in using transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat various forms of depression in Los Angeles, including treatment resistant depression. To schedule a consultation, call 888.823.4867 or book an appointment online here.