12 Ways to Help Someone Fight Depression Effectively

Introduction

Helping someone dealing with depression can be quite a challenge.

After all, most people who are affected with this psychological condition usually experience mood-related issues. Hence, even if you are trying to suggest something that might help them, they’ll most likely not listen to you or make an argument against it.

However, what you really need to understand here is that it’s not their fault. They are fighting way too many demons in their head to perceive what’s right for them and what’s not.

Flowers are also known to be ideal for someone’s mental health. Hence, if you know someone who is dealing with depression, we’d also suggest you send flowers to Paris or wherever they are currently living. They’ll certainly love your shower of affection and support.

Hence, in this article, all you can do is stay beside them, offer your unconditional support, and try making their life easier. Let’s keep reading to know more about it.

What is Depression?

Major depressive disorder, widely recognized as depression, is a prevalent and impactful medical condition that adversely affects emotions, thoughts, and behavior.

The positive aspect is that it is a condition amenable to treatment. Depression elicits emotions of sadness and a reduced interest in once-enjoyed activities.

This mental health issue can manifest in diverse emotional and physical difficulties, hindering effective performance in both professional and personal aspects of life.

The symptoms of depression can vary from one person to another. But, the core issues usually remain the same. Let’s keep reading to know more about it.

Someone is feeling sad all the time or has a gloomy, depressed mood.
Loss of pleasure or interest in activities that they used to love before.
Changes in their eating habits — could be accompanied by weight gain or loss
Increased fatigue and a loss of energy
Feeling a sense of guilt or worthlessness
Having difficulty in concentrating, thinking, or making decisions

To receive a depression diagnosis, symptoms should persist for a minimum of two weeks and indicate a deviation from your usual functioning.

Additionally, it’s crucial to exclude general medical conditions, such as thyroid issues, brain tumors, or vitamin deficiencies, as they can imitate depression symptoms.

Note: According to a report, around one adult person in 15 will experience depression every year. And nearly one out of five people will deal with it at some point in their life. Women are usually more prone to get depressed than men as well.

How to Help Someone Fight Depression?

Dealing with depression and anxiety, especially on a regular period, can be difficult. However if the person gets proper treatment and support, they can get better with time.

And, if you are somehow related to them, the responsibility of taking care of them will bestow upon you too. So, let’s learn more about how you can help them out.

1: Help Them Get Active

When someone becomes depressed, their body begins to shut down little by little. They tend to become somewhat lethargic and lose their interest in doing literally anything.

So, in this aspect, one thing you can do is encourage them to exercise regularly.

When you work out regularly, your body starts releasing endorphins, or the happy hormones. It, in turn, generates a calming effect on you and instills a sense of happiness.

Besides this, lifting weights may also help you relax your muscles and reduce bodily stress to some extent. It can also calm your nervous system and reduce the risk of acute anxiety.

2: Be a Good Listener

A Person, who’s dealing with depression, might have more than one thought running through their mind. So, if you can be there and listen to whatever they’re having trouble with, it might be quite helpful for them. Here are some tips that can help you out.

Seek out a secluded setting that allows the person to articulate what they’re dealing with without any apprehension of criticism.
Foster a greater understanding of their emotions and experiences by framing questions that go beyond mere yes or no responses.
Reiterate their expressions to demonstrate your active involvement, affirming that you are attentively listening and acknowledging the significance of their feelings.

3: Encourage Them to Go for Professional Help

You can certainly help someone dealing with depression to some extent. But, it’s still better to take a professional’s assistance when push comes to shove.

So, while you are offering as much help as possible, make sure to —

Provide information on mental health practitioners such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, especially who are available in the patient’s locality.
Offer guidance on comprehending various therapy approaches and assist in finding a suitable match. You can also go with them if needed.
Support them with practical aspects like scheduling appointments, exploring insurance coverage, or arranging transportation for therapy sessions.

4: Offer Some Practical Assistance and Provide Emotional Support

As we’ve mentioned before, people who are fighting depression usually lose interest in lots of things. So, naturally, they will love to get some practical assistance from you.

Collaboratively identify tasks or duties and develop a plan to tackle them by breaking them into smaller, more manageable steps.
Establish routine times to provide support with these tasks, preventing the buildup of responsibilities and ensuring your loved one feels supported.

Oh and don’t forget to offer your practical support whenever you can. It might help them build up their lost confidence and make them feel better than usual.

Show empathy by recognizing their emotions and conveying genuine care.
Provide resources like articles or books on depression to assist them in comprehending their condition better.

5: Keep Connected with Them and Encourage Self Care

Only exercising won’t be enough. You should also ask the person to take care of themselves.

Recommend participating in activities that can improve one’s mood, like going for a relaxed walk, incorporating mindfulness practices, or rekindling past hobbies.
Advocate for turning self-care into a communal experience to make it more socially accepted and attractive, particularly for individuals coping with depression.

Also, no matter how busy you’re, don’t forget to stay connected with the person. Make sure to send them a text daily to check up on them. In addition to them, you should also —

Maintain regular communication in order to convey your ongoing availability and sincere concern for their welfare.
Foster social engagements by arranging small, casual get-togethers or outings, recognizing the significance of social connections in supporting mental well-being.

6: Try to be a Little Patient with Them

To effectively support someone in their recovery, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the triggers and warning signs of depressive episodes. Pay careful attention to subtle cues and changes in behavior, as this awareness will enable you to provide proactive assistance.

Recognizing these signs early on can also help assess when professional intervention might be required. Stay attentive, ask open-ended questions, and foster open communication to gain a deeper understanding of their emotional state.

7: Learn Warning Signs and Triggers

Promoting positive and healthy habits can be quite important in a person’s life. And, if they’re dealing with depression, it can be even more helpful.

Stress the significance of maintaining a well-balanced diet, as it can greatly influence mental well-being.
Advocate for \ ample sleep, as lack of sleep can worsen depressive symptoms.
Talk about the adverse impacts of substance use on mental health, underscoring the need for moderation or complete avoidance.

Suggest participating in these healthy activities together to make the journey more achievable and strengthen the bond of companionship.

8: Celebrate Small Achievements

Acknowledging and celebrating minor accomplishments proves to be a potent approach in aiding individuals contending with depression.

Within the complex fabric of someone’s struggle with mental health, the completion of seemingly ordinary daily tasks can signify noteworthy triumphs.

It is crucial to identify and honor these successes, as this practice can substantially elevate their self-esteem and cultivate a positive perspective.

9: Engage in Activities Together

Getting involved in shared activities is another significant method of providing support. When you actively engage in the interests and pastimes that bring happiness to your loved one, you establish a common ground where connections can strengthen.

Whether it involves watching a beloved movie side by side, playing a board game, or just going for a relaxed walk, the shared encounter can offer a feeling of connection, which is vital for someone grappling with the isolating challenges of depression.

10: Offer Non-Judgmental Support

Providing unbiased assistance is a pretty fundamental aspect of comprehending and assisting individuals coping with depression.

So, in this case, establishing a secure and empathetic atmosphere is important.

Communicate to your loved one that their emotions are legitimate, and expressing themselves openly is not just welcomed but promoted.
Ensure them that your backing is unwavering, cultivating a setting where they can be open without worrying about criticism or judgment.

11: Learn about Their Medication

It’s essential to stay well-informed about the prescribed medication for your loved one to offer effective support. Dedicate time to thoroughly investigate and comprehend the medication, including its intended purpose, recommended dosage, and potential side effects.

Make yourself familiar with any precautions or contraindications related to the medication. This understanding will not only help you assist your loved one in following their treatment plan but also empower you to identify and address any worrisome developments.

Maintain regular communication with the person’ healthcare team, attend appointments when feasible, and report any noticed changes or worries.

Building a powerful support system, which includes mental health professionals, friends, and family can enhance a holistic approach to the well-being of your loved one.

Promote open dialogue with your loved one regarding their medication, fostering a supportive atmosphere where they feel at ease sharing their experiences.

Inquire about the physical and emotional effects of the medication, and pay close attention to any observed changes. Taking this collaborative approach can empower them and increase their active participation in managing their healthcare.

12: Know When to Seek Emergency Help

Recognizing the need for urgent assistance is crucial. Hence, make sure to do some research and try to familiarize yourself with the indicators of a rather serious situation. It can include –

Abrupt or intense shits in the person’s mood or behavior
Them trying to hurt themselves abruptly

If someone close to you communicates thoughts of self-harm and suicide, promptly seek help from emergency services or a mental health professional.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1: How do Most People Recover from Depression?

Managing stress involves prioritizing aspects like sleep, exercise, relaxation, and engaging in enjoyable activities. However, it’s crucial to be aware of potential challenges.

It’s important to practice patience with oneself during the recovery from depression, acknowledging the significance of the small, gradual steps that lead to improvement, as described by those who have successfully overcome it.

2: Is Depression 100% Curable?

Although depression is an enduring condition lacking a definitive cure, it doesn’t mean it will consistently overshadow one’s daily life. With a successful treatment plan, attaining remission becomes a feasible objective. It’s crucial to recognize that the treatment strategy may need occasional modifications throughout a person’s lifetime.

3: What are the 2 types of depression?

Major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder rank among the most prevalent forms of depression, though various types of depression exist.

A shared characteristic among many mood disorders is the occurrence of major depressive episodes, a feature also present in bipolar disorder, another mood disorder.

The Bottom Line

Taking care of someone who’s fighting depression is a difficult task, no matter how a person, i.e. you, approach it. So, it’s best to stay calm, have a plan on how you want to help them out, and then go forward. If it’s not working in accordance with what you’ve thought, don’t worry.

Just go with the flow and help them out as they might