The past year that we have all had has taken its toll in many different ways. Physical health has been impacted, as well as family dynamics, finances, and not forgetting mental health. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness has been reported as being on the increase, with more people talking to a doctor about these issues. You may be even feeling them yourself. But today, it is all about how to help a loved one with depression. It can be a challenge, but if someone close to you has depression, then you may wonder what on earth you can do to help. Here are some of the things that you can do to help understand them, help them, and help them to be able to cope.
Encourage Treatment
When someone has depression it can be hard for them to pinpoint it themselves. They might not recognize that they are depressed or be able to acknowledge that they are depressed. They themselves may not know what the signs of depression are, and if it has been going on for a while, may not realize that it isn’t normal to feel the way that they do. Many people can feel ashamed or embarrassed by being depressed, and if they do acknowledge it in themselves, may think that they can manage it by themselves. You can help them, though, as without treatment, it is rare to feel better. Encourage them to seek professional help and advice and be a support to them when they need it.
Help them to live a healthy lifestyle
Although most medical treatments can help those with depression, there are some things that people with depression can do to give themselves a fighting chance to feel better. When they move more and eat a balanced diet, it is going to give them the energy that they need to get through the day, even when they don’t feel like it. If you live with someone with depression, encourage them to exercise and work together to cook healthy foods and make healthy meal choices. Of course, you can’t get them to stop all of their negative habits. Stopping smoking when depressed could be too much for them, so you could support them with pink pre-rolled cones to make things easier until they are ready to quit and feeling like they have more willpower. Small, healthy steps can make a big difference.
Know the signs and symptoms to look out for
For a lot of people with depression, some of the signs and symptoms can be quite subtle, but for others, it can be quite obvious. If there are noticeable changes in how they go about their day-to-day activities, then it means that there is an issue. People can feel sad or low, but depression can mean lack of interest in anything, changes in appetite, anxiety, interrupted sleep, suicidal thoughts, physical ailments, and others. Being aware of what the signs and symptoms of depression are can really make a difference and help you to help them, perhaps before they even know that they need help.
Thank you for reading!
