Determining how to help someone with depression can be tricky. It’s a dark and isolating mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. Watching someone you care about struggle with depression can be heart-wrenching, leaving you feeling helpless and uncertain about how to help, especially if they don’t want help in the first place.
There are actually quite a few steps you can take to help your loved one navigate their way out of the darkness and live the life Jesus died on the cross to give them. In this post, we’ll explore four practical ways to help someone with depression.
Check out the tips below, and schedule a session today (Online, CO, FL).
4 Ways to Help Someone with Depression:
1) Listen and Validate
It may sound simple, yet the first (and probably the most important) way to help someone with depression is to listen to them. Listen without judgment or interruption and show them that their feelings are valid. Many people with depression feel unheard, misunderstood, and alone, so validating their emotions and giving them a safe space to express themselves can make a significant difference.
2) Offer Support
Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming and exhausting. Offering practical support, like cooking a meal or doing laundry, can go a long way in easing the burden on your loved one. Helping them establish a routine or encouraging them to attend therapy can also be incredibly beneficial.
3) Be Patient
Recovery from depression is not a linear process, and there may be setbacks along the way. It’s essential to be patient and understanding, even if progress seems slow. Don’t push your loved one to “snap out of it” or dismiss their struggles. Instead, remind them that you’re there for them and that you believe in their ability to overcome depression.
4) Educate Yourself
Finally, educating yourself about mental health helps you better understand what they’re going through, which in turn provides valuable insight on ways to help someone with depression even more. Learn about the symptoms of depression, the different types of treatment available, and the potential challenges they may face during their recovery. By educating yourself, you can offer more informed support and be a more effective ally in your loved one’s journey towards healing.
At Cornerstone Christian Counseling, we applaud you for wanting to see your loved ones flourish. There are many different motivators behind why people seek counseling (for themselves OR a friend/family member), and for good reason! Life is full of peaks and valleys; highs and lows. Regardless of which counseling services you’re interested in, our team of clinically excellent Christian counselors will help you get from where you are to where you want to be.
When you’re ready, give us a call or schedule an appointment online for your loved one. In order to help someone with depression, you need to understand what they’re going through. Our care team is here to help you figure out next steps.
RESOURCES
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- Cornerstone Christian Counseling’s Services
- National Institute of Mental Health – Resources for Depression
- Mayo Clinic – How to Help Someone with Depression
- Schedule Appointment or Consult
