Clinical depression is a prevalent disease in the United States and affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of Depression, including chemical imbalances, lifestyle stressors, social isolation, genetic predisposition, and societal pressures. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of modern life and economic challenges can contribute to the onset or exacerbation of depression.
It is critical to raise awareness about Depression, reduce stigma, promote mental health support, and reduce social isolation to address this widespread issue effectively. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seek professional help and supportive resources.
Signs of Depression
Look out for the following signs of clinical depression below. If a person has 2 or more of these symptoms that last twelve months are longer, clinical depression is likely present:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, low mood, emptiness, hopelessness, tearfulness
- Angry outbursts, irritability, frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities such as hobbies, sports, exercise, sex
- Sleep disturbances: sleeping too little (insomnia) or too much (excessive sleep)
- Fatigue or lack of energy such that even small tasks take extra effort
- Anxiety, restlessness, or nervousness
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, focusing on past failures or blaming yourself for things that are not your responsibility
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions and remembering things
- Frequent or repeated mention of not wanting to live, suicidal thoughts or attempts at self-harm or suicide
Depression can affect an individual’s daily activities at work or school, social activities, and relationships with others. Some people experiencing depression may feel generally sad or irritable without knowing why. Children, teens, and adults may all show signs of depression by being cranky rather than sad.
Often people with depression may not know or want to acknowledge that they’re depressed. They may mistakenly believe they should be able to overcome Depression with willpower alone. In some cases, individuals may not even be aware that their symptoms are actually depression or how their Depression is truly affecting their life, relationships, and health.
Depression seldom gets better without treatment and it may get worse. With the right treatment, it can get better.
Ways to Help Someone with Depression
- Listen actively. Be an empathetic listener and validate the person’s feelings.
- Talk openly and supportively. Talk about what you are seeing and why you’re concerned; remind the person that depression is a health condition — not a personal flaw or weakness — and it usually gets better with treatment, time, eating well, exercising, and being with others.
- Ask questions. Seek to understand how the person is experiencing their symptoms; do not assume that when someone says they are “sad” that their ”sad” is the same as your “sad.”
- Avoid judgment. Depression is an illness, not a weakness; Show compassion and understanding.
- Strongly suggest the need to seek help from a professional. A healthcare provider is a good place to start for an evaluation and a referral to brain health providers–a psychiatrist and a psychologist or licensed counselor.
- Express your willingness to help. Help with daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. Assist with setting up appointments. Go along to the appointments. Attend therapy sessions if appropriate.
- Be patient. Recovery takes time. Celebrate small victories. Meet the person where they are; don’t push.
- Encourage self-care. Remind the person to prioritize exercise, nutrition, and sleep, and encourage relaxation techniques and quality time in Nature.
- Help the person get out of the house and if possible, exercise together. Take a walk or go for a bike ride. Meet for coffee or dinner. Go to a local sporting event. Being around other people is important.
How To Help Someone with Depression Who Doesn’t Want Help
1. Be patient and non-judgmental
- Let the person know you are there for them without pushing.
- Avoid criticizing or insisting on solutions. Checking your own headspace and beliefs about Depression. Remind yourself that you, as the support person, have not failed just because the person is not ready to get help yet. Do not take their struggles personally.
2. Stay connected and hold space for them
- Regularly check in with them, but do not focus on the depression. Be willing to just sit in silence with them.
- Suggest activities that do not require a lot of them such as just sitting together while you read a book or watch a movie. These activities do not require interaction but allow you to be present.
- Offer your company without pressure.
3. Educate yourself
- Understand depression better so you can say and do effective things for the person struggling with Depression.
- Learn about available local resources you can guide the person to.
How to Help Someone with Severe Depression
If a person’s depression is severe or potentially life-threatening, it is important to contact a healthcare provider, a mental health provider, or emergency medical services. Severe depression requires professional intervention. Here’s what you can do:
Safety First:
- Don’t be afraid to ask the person directly, “Are you thinking/planning to hurt yourself?”
- Do not minimize or ignore veiled statements of suicide (i.e., “you would be better off without me…you don’t need me around anymore…when I am gone it will all be so much easier…I won’t be a bother to you much longer.”
- If the person express suicidal thoughts, take what is said seriously and get medical help.
- Encourage the person to immediately call the national behavior helpline: 9-8-8 or 9-1-1, or seek immediate help at an urgent care or emergency room.
- Encourage the person to seek immediate help.
Encourage (or help find) Professional Help:
- Offer to assist in finding a brain health professional
Always remember that your support matters. Even small gestures of care, listening, and taking action can make a significant difference in someone’s battle with depression.
CVH fully recognizes that each patient has unique needs. Healthcare providers at CVH believe in interprofessional collaboration between primary care providers, brain health care providers, and social workers whenever necessary to address the biological, psychological, and social health aspects of healthcare. Providers also respect the personal, familial, and cultural differences of all their patients.
Learn more about all CVH can provide patients suffering with depression here: cvhnc.org.