NOTE: Williamsburg Therapy Group is NOT a crisis center. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or 988.
Depression can not only be difficult to experience, it can also be devastating to witness in a friend or loved one. Someone with depression often loses interest in the things they once enjoyed, and this includes relationships. A depressed person may withdraw, and their low mood can cause frustration and misunderstanding. How can you help when a friend's depression changes the person you thought you knew? Below we'll take a closer look at signs and symptoms to look for, and discuss how you can best support a loved one who is dealing with this mental health condition.
Depression is a serious mental health disorder that affects a person’s everyday life and can lead to emotional crisis if not treated properly. Major depression can cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, and other areas of life, making it essential to seek professional help from a mental health professional.
Understanding the difference between low mood and depression can help you provide more effective support to your friend
Recognizing depression symptoms, such as trouble concentrating, changes in mood, and loss of interest in activities, is crucial in providing support to someone with depression. Signs of depression can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
Being aware of the National Institute of Mental Health's guidelines on depression can help you better understand the warning signs of this condition and provide informed support.
Suicide prevention is a critical aspect of supporting someone with depression, and it’s essential to take all suicidal thoughts or behaviors seriously. If your friend talks about feeling trapped or hopeless, it’s crucial to listen carefully and encourage them to seek help from a professional.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides valuable resources and support for individuals struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Knowing the crisis lifeline number and having it readily available can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. The crisis lifeline can be reached 24/7 by dialing 988, or texting HOME to 714714.
Encouraging your friend to seek help from a mental health professional is the first step in their recovery journey. Helping them find support groups, either online or in-person, can provide a sense of community and social support.
You can offer to accompany your friend to their first appointment to help alleviate anxiety and make the experience less intimidating. Also remind your friend that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, to help them feel more comfortable with the process.
When a friend is dealing with depression symptoms, it can be hard for them to understand the effects on others. Setting boundaries is essential in maintaining your own health while supporting a friend with depression
Learn to say no and prioritize self-care to help prevent burnout and ensure you can continue to support them physically and emotionally. Also encourage your friend to respect your boundaries to help them understand the importance of mutual support.
While you're helping your friend, remember to care for yourself. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation, can help you maintain your emotional well-being.
Supporting a family member or friend with depression requires patience, understanding, and empathy, but it can also take practical support. Help them feel less isolated by listening and validating their feelings, but also think about practical help they might need.
Offer to assist with household chores, preparing healthy meals, or watching their kids to alleviate some of the burden. This can also remind your friend that they are not alone and can help them feel more connected.
Encouraging open conversation can help your friend feel more comfortable talking about their feelings and emotions. Listen carefully and provide emotional support to help them feel heard and validated. Be careful to avoid offering advice or trying to fix the problem, this will help your friend feel more comfortable opening up. Continue to remind your friend that you are there to support them, not to fix their problems, so they feel more at ease sharing with you.
Building resilience can help your friend better cope with the challenges of depression. Encouraging them to practice self-care and engage in activities they enjoy can help them build confidence. Also, provide emotional support and remind them of their strengths to help them feel more empowered. You may also encourage them to develop a growth mindset by helping them see challenges as opportunities for growth.
Navigating treatment can be overwhelming for someone with depression, but having a supportive friend by their side can make the process less intimidating. Encourage your friend to seek help from a professional to help them get the treatment they need.
Offer support and encouragement as they explore different treatment approaches to help them feel more confident. Remind them that treatment is a process and that it may take time to find the right approach to help them stay patient and motivated.
Fostering a sense of community can help your friend feel more connected and less isolated. Talk to other family members who may want to help by encouraging your friend to participate in social activities. You may also:
Encouraging self-care can help your friend maintain their emotional well-being and manage symptoms of depression. Provide resources and support for self-care activities, such as exercise or meditation, can help them get started.
Reminding them that self-care is essential for their recovery and well-being can help them prioritize their needs. Continuing to encourage them to take breaks and practice self-compassion can help them feel more balanced.
Moving forward can be challenging, but having a supportive friend can make the process less intimidating. Encourage your friend to take things one step at a time to help them feel more in control, while providing emotional support and reminding them of their strengths. Remind them that recovery is a journey and that it’s okay to take things slowly.
At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our team of doctoral-level psychotherapists on South Lamar allows you to work with a trained professional that can create a treatment plan and offer a variety of practical strategies, healthy coping skills to improve mental health, and techniques that can help manage symptoms of depression.
If you see warning signs and want to help a friend that you suspect is dealing with depression, our customer service coordinator can help them get matched with a mental health care professional who works with depression and can offer tools and strategies to manage symptoms, boost self-esteem, and help them feel an interest in life again.