The Monster Called Depression

 

Depression is a mental condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. It's the leading cause of disability in the United States and it has an effect on what we do and how we feel. If you or someone you love is feeling sad or hopeless most of the day, every day for at least two weeks, they may be suffering from depression. 

Depression can feel like a dark and lonely place with no way out. It's hard to go on when you don't see your situation improving. You may even start thinking about suicide. We understand that it's hard to know what to say about depression. Bringing up mental health is not something many people get right 100% of the time (unless they're trained therapists).

But there are some things you can do to make sure this conversation goes as smoothly as possible:

1) Be there for them

2) Give them space; don't force them to talk if they don't want to

3) Let them.

Why is depression so common?

It's hard to know what to do when someone close to you has depression. You might feel like you don't know how to help them, and they may not want to talk about it. Depression usually develops because of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Depression can also happen as a result of experiencing trauma or abuse, but those are just two potential reasons for the underlying depression.

But there's good news: there are plenty of things that can be done to help with depression. You don't have to try and solve their problems, but you can offer support as they work on their own plan for recovery. It's important to remember that although we don't always understand what people are going through, we still need to be there for them and listen if they want to talk about it. We should never force someone into talking about something if they're not ready or willing. And sometimes all someone needs is a supportive space where they feel safe and listened to.

What does depression feel like?

Depression can feel like a dark and lonely place with no way out. It's hard to go on when you don't see your situation improving. You may even start thinking about suicide. Depression can be overwhelming, but it's important to recognize the symptoms of depression. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it is safe to talk to someone about them:

• Feeling sad or hopeless most of the day, every day for at least two weeks

• Trouble functioning (not able to do things that they used to be able)

• Difficulty sleeping (waking up feeling exhausted)

• Loss of appetite (less than normal/weight loss)

• Restlessness (feeling agitated or unable to sit still)

• Thoughts of death or suicide

The Warning Signs of Depression

It's important to know the warning signs of depression. The best way to help someone with depression is to take care of yourself first. It can be difficult for anyone who isn't trained in mental health to know what to say or do for someone who is experiencing depression. But there are some ways you can make sure this conversation goes as smoothly as possible:

1) Be there for them

2) Give them space; don't force them to talk if they don't want to

3) Let them.

4) Listen without judgment or criticism 

5) Focus on positives and possibilities, not negatives 

6) Encourage self-care 

7) Offer your support 

8) Don't offer false hope 

9) Keep your words simple and honest

How to help someone with depression

Depression is a mental condition that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. It's the leading cause of disability in the United States and it has an effect on what we do and how we feel. If you or someone you love is feeling sad or hopeless most of the day, every day for at least two weeks, they may be suffering from depression. Depression can feel like a dark and lonely place with no way out. It's hard to go on when you don't see your situation improving. You may even start thinking about suicide. We understand that it's hard to know what to say about depression. Bringing up mental health is not something many people get right 100% of the time (unless they're trained therapists). But there are some things you can do to make sure this conversation goes as smoothly as possible:

1) Be there for them

2) Give them space; don't force them to talk if they don't want to

3) Let them know it's ok not to be ok

How to talk about depression

1) Be there for them

It's important to show that you care. Even if they don't want to talk about their feelings or struggles, being supportive is still valuable. You may want to offer support by telling them how you are feeling, too.

2) Give them space; don't force them to talk if they don't want to

Depression can make it difficult to do anything, including talking about your feelings. It's also important not to push the person into talking about things that are hard for them. Let them come around in their own time and give themselves some time before you ask again.

3) Let them

Don't try and fix everything on your own! The person with depression needs to take responsibility for their mental wellbeing as well. Encourage the person with depression to see a therapist or some other mental health professional who can help them work through their feelings.

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