When a loved one has depression

Coping with depression is difficult for the person who is suffering with depression as well as their family and friends.

Role of a carer

The support and involvement of family and friends can be crucial in helping someone who is suffering with depression. It is especially helpful if family and friends encourage the patient to persist with treatment and practise the coping techniques and problem-solving skills they are learning during psychotherapy.

How can I help?

• Make sure that your loved one is evaluated and treated by a trained mental health professional. This is essential to diagnose depression properly and find the right kind of treatment
• Educate yourself, your family, and friends about mental health problems and depression in particular. This will help you understand what your loved one is experiencing
• Someone suffering with depression needs constant support. This can be draining, especially if it lasts for long periods of time. It is, however, one of the most important parts of successful treatment. People with depression can feel alone and isolated, giving consistent support and understanding is critical
• Help the person with depression to stick to their treatment plan. This means making sure that medicines are available if prescribed, attending counselling sessions with the person if needed, helping make recommended lifestyle changes, and encouraging the person to follow up with the proper healthcare professional, especially if the treatment needs to be adjusted

Tips for the carer

Living with a person suffering with depression can be very difficult and stressful on family members and friends. Here are some suggestions for living with a depressed person that may make things easier for you and more beneficial for the depressed person:

• Recognise that depression is often expressed as hostility, rejection, and irritability
• Adopt an interaction style that puts the person suffering with depression in charge. For example, instead of suggesting, "Let's go to the cinema tonight," try this: "I'd like to see a film tonight. Which one of these do you want to see with me?"
• Encourage the person suffering with depression to seek professional help. Accompany and support your loved one, but make it clear that it is their responsibility to get better
• Remember that treatment is very effective and your loved one will improve with treatment within a few months
• Support opportunities for the person suffering with depression to be rewarded, such as visiting friends or going out for activities. Don't force these, though
• Make sure you notice and praise any significant improvement. Be genuine
• Leave time for yourself and your own needs. Take breaks from the person suffering from depression from time to time. It will help both of you
• Consider family or marital counselling: these forms of counselling may be beneficial in bringing together all those affected by depression and helping them learn effective ways to cope together
• Consider turning to support groups, either for the person suffering with depression, or for you as their family member