• Schedule a FREE Consultation Cool Tools and Resources

    395 Taylor Blvd, Suite 220 | Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
    925-322-1681 | katherine@timetothrivetherapy.com

  • Time to Thrive Therapy

    • Home
    • About Me
    • Services
      • Counseling
        • Counseling for Depression
        • Counseling for Anxiety
        • Counseling for Women
        • Counseling for Teens
        • Counseling for Couples
      • Groups
        • Women’s Divorce Support Circle
        • Teen Life Support Group
        • Kick-Butt Strategies for Handling Life for Teen Young Women
        • Support and Education Group for MFT and LPC Trainees
      • EMDR
      • Neurofeedback
    • Getting Started
      • Fees and Insurance
      • New Client Documents-Adult
      • New Client Documents-Child/Teen
      • New Client Documents for Couples
    • Tools and Resources
      • Tools
      • Resources
      • Videos
    • The Comfy Couch Blog
    • Client Login
    • Contact Me

    How to Help a Loved One Suffering from Depression

    March 26, 2018

    Watching a loved one suffer from depression is incredibly difficult. All you want to do is help them feel better. But when it becomes obvious you can’t take their pain away, you can become frustrated.

    As a friend or family member of someone suffering from depression, it’s important to remember that your loved one is dealing with a real medical condition and you are, most likely, not equipped to handle their recovery alone.

    Having said that, there are things you can do to support your loved one and help them on their journey back toward health and happiness.

    Understand Treatment is Key

    As we mentioned, depression is a medical condition and it requires treatment from a professional therapist. Do not try and take on someone’s depression by yourself. Yes, lend support, care, and compassion, but understand that they will need medical treatment, just as they would if their leg was broken. If they themselves do not recognize how important treatment is, do your best to help them understand.

    Be Vocal

    Often loved ones suffering from depression are the topic of conversation, but not part of it. It’s not enough to talk to other family members and discuss how concerned you are about your sister or uncle, let your sister and uncle know you see them suffering and you’re there for support. Offer to drive them to therapy or simply lend an ear. Those suffering from depression often feel lonely and isolated, so reach out as best you can.

    Help Them Stay Part of the World

    Those suffering from depression typically lose interest in activities they once found enjoyable. You can help your loved one by getting them active and part of the world once more. The key here is to be patient and stay committed. You can’t force your loved one to take you up on an invitation. Don’t bully them, just encourage them as best you can. Should they say “no” to your invite 50 times, don’t give up on them. Be patient, stay committed, and continue to extend your hand. Through weekly treatment they will eventually come around and say “yes.”

    Get Educated

    One of the best things you can possibly do to support your loved one who is suffering from depression is to learn as much about the condition as you possibly can. It’s a good idea to speak with their therapist to get recommendations of resources that will help you learn more.

    Watching a loved one suffer from depression is not easy, but knowing there are ways you can help them will lighten the load for you both.

    If you or a loved one is interested in exploring treatment, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.

    Share this:

    • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

    Related

    Filed Under: Depression

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ENTER YOUR EMAIL HERE, AND I'LL SEND YOU PERIODIC TIPS, INFORMATION, AND REALLY COOL TOOLS.
    By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

    Recent Blogs

    Benefits of Therapy Dogs

    Types of Anxiety Disorders

    What is Gender Dysphoria?

    Recent Videos

    The Teenage Brain

    I Have OCD

    What is Anxiety?

    Katherine Jewett, MA LMFT #83521
    395 Taylor Blvd, Suite 220
    Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

    925-322-1681
    katherine@timetothrivetherapy.com

    Katherine Jewett
    katherine@timetothrivetherapy.com | 925-322-1681

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy