It’s common for people to have periods where they feel low, which usually pass with time. Persistent feelings of sadness exhibited by a loved one can be a sign they have depression. It affects everything from the ability to perform your job well to the desire to take part in your favorite activities. The support you provide to a loved one living with depression can be crucial to their recovery. If a woman you love is struggling with depression, reach out to The Willows at Red Oak today at 855.773.0614 to support her and yourself.
Understanding Depression
The first thing to understand about depression is that it isn’t something a person can snap out of through willpower. Depression is a severe mental health condition that often requires in-depth treatment. The symptoms of depression can cause your loved one to act in ways you do not recognize.
Signs of depression in a loved one can include:
- Constant feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Eating too much or not wanting to eat
- Inability to sleep or oversleeping
- Fatigue
- Unexplained aches and pains in the body
- Digestive problems
- Having thoughts of self-harm or contemplating suicide
You may find yourself dealing with complex emotions while trying to help a loved one showing signs of depression. It’s normal to feel that way. It’s crucial that you take time to look after your own mental and physical health as you offer depression support. It is not a manageable illness to live with, and it can be hard to watch someone you care about go through the experience.
Helping a Loved One With Depression
Providing companionship and support to a family member or friend can be crucial as they work toward recovery from depression. You can be there as that person works through the negative thoughts that are often a symptom of depression. It may be hard for individuals with depression to find the positive side of things or find the energy to enjoy old pursuits.
The first thing you can do is learn as much as you can about the mental health disorder. Remember that it is an illness that needs treatment, not something that is being done deliberately by your loved one. Please do your best to avoid taking things personally when they are in the throes of their illness.
Encourage your friend or family member to talk about what they are experiencing. Avoid covering up what’s going on or making excuses. Lying or hiding from the problem can end up making things worse and keep your loved one from getting the help they need.
Make it clear to your friend or family member that what’s happening is not their fault. Try to keep them from believing that they brought on the illness or that they “deserve” what is happening to them.
The most important thing to remember for your sake and theirs is that you cannot heal their depression. They should seek help from mental health professionals trained to handle the illness and help your loved one get on a path to healthiness.
Finding Help at The Willows at Red Oak
It can be hard to get someone living with depression to recognize the seriousness of what is happening. They may tell themselves that they will “snap” out of it. Some people have a stigma in acknowledging that they may have a mental illness. The act of talking and listening to a loved one can help get past any barriers they have about finding help for their depression.
It will probably take more than one conversation to get a person showing signs of depression to seek help. Be kind but persistent in showing your concern and encouraging your loved one to help their depression.
The Willows at Red Oaks provides a therapeutic healing environment for those looking for help with depression and other mental health disorders 855.773.0614. We offer programs that help with different issues, including:
