How You Can Help Someone With Depression

Having a loved one who suffers from depression can be an extremely difficult situation.

Many people want to be able to help their loved one, but they don't know exactly how to go about it. While you will be unable to clear another person's depression, there are some ways you can be supportive and really helpful. Accept the fact that you, by yourself, cannot make them better - Clinical depression should be treated by a mental health professional. Many loved ones of depressed individuals become frustrated when all of their best efforts don't seem to help break the person out of the cycle of depression. Unfortunately, you alone can't make your loved one better, but your support can be extremely meaningful.

Be there for them - Although you won't be able to make them feel 100% better, knowing that you are there when they need someone to hold their hand, give them a hug, or lend a shoulder to cry on will be very comforting.

Don't judge them - It can be really difficult for a person who has not personally experienced depression to understand. You might be wondering, "why can't she just SNAP out of it?!" or "why is he always looking at everything from the negative viewpoint?" With depressed people it's not something that they can just choose to snap out of. Try not to be judgemental and instead listen and be open to their experience.

Educate yourself - Learning about depression can help you know what your loved one is up against. It will also help you in learning how to best support them.

Be supportive of their treatment - Clinical depression should be treated by a mental health professional, but only the depressed person can make decisions about their treatment. In other words, if your loved one doesn't want treatment right now, there isn't much you can say or do to convince them. You can offer them the names of professionals that can help them, but the rest is up to them. If they have already sought treatment, make sure they know how proud you are of them for seeking help.

Don't compare - Even if you yourself have experienced depression, each person's experience will be different. Comparing what you have gone through to their depression will probably not make them feel better, even though you likely intended it to.

Don't give advice - Though this is a normal reaction when someone you care about is in need, the depressed person may not respond well to being given advice. A better way is to ask them what you can do in order to help. Even if your loved one can't think of any way you can help, they will appreciate you having offered. And, it doesn't have to be a single offer, make sure they understand that you will be there, should they need you. When a friend of loved one is depressed, it's natural to want to do everything possible to help. Even though you can't heal their depression, your support can make a real difference.


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Peter Field is a leading U.K. London and Birmingham hypnotherapist specializing in hypnotherapy for anxiety and panic attacks. His hypnotherapy Birmingham practice provides hypnosis services throughout the West Midlands. For more information please visit his hypnotherapy website at http://www.peterfieldhypnotherapy.co.uk Peter's popular blog contains more of his interesting articles: http://peterfieldhypno.blogspot.co.uk



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