Depression Treatment: How to Encourage and Support Your Loved One Through It

Author: Benjamin Brafman

Depression treatment is not an easy thing to accept that you need. People with depression often report feeling worthless, sad and empty for weeks and even months at a time. During these times, they can be so downtrodden that they lose all interest in activities they used to enjoy and have a general disposition of hopelessness. Common symptoms of depression also include irritability, difficulty concentrating and making decisions. When someone is experiencing this variety of negative symptoms, it can be very difficult for their loved ones to know how to behave around them and provide the proper support they need to encourage them to seek depression treatment.

Starting the conversation can be a sizable hurdle to overcome. Many individuals suffering from depression don't think that they have a problem because they've felt this way for so long that they just assume that's normal. Talking to them and explaining troubling signs and concerns you have can be helpful. Other people think that having depression is a sign of weakness and they need to be able to "cure it" on their own, and are therefore averse to depression treatment. In this case, a good initial approach would be explaining that depression is a serious, but treatable medical condition, not a personal flaw, and without treatment symptoms usually worsen.

How to Encourage Depression Treatment

After discussing your loved ones depression symptoms and your concerns, the next step is to encourage them to see a professional for depression treatment. This professional should be a medical doctor, licensed counselor or psychologist. If your loved one is unsure about what to say to the professional, offer to help them prepare a list of questions or talking points to ease some of their anxiety. Finally, vocalize your support of their depression treatment by offering to set up and accompany them to appointments as well as participating in family therapy sessions.

Cheat Sheet on How to Provide Support for your Loved One with Depression

The Mayo Clinic offers the following tips on how to effectively support your loved one through their depression treatment:

Learn about Depression- The more you learn about the illness, the better you'll be able to understand the symptoms and support your loved one. Talking to someone who has gone through depression treatment or supported a loved one through it is a plus.

Be a Good Listener- People with depression often don't want to discuss their feelings and symptoms, so when they do, it's important that you listen.

Provide Positive Reinforcement- Depression can seriously impact a person's self esteem so reminding them of their positive qualities and how much they mean to you can be a helpful tool.

Help Create a Low-Stress Environment- Minimizing stress can help make a person with depression feel more in control. Establishing a regular routine with regard to meals, chores, medication, exercise and sleep can be beneficial.

Encourage Following Through on Treatment- Always be an encouraging part of depression treatment by helping your loved one stay on top of medications prescribed and attending appointments.

Be Patient- Remember that depression is a complicated mental illness and it's not something that can be resolved overnight. Depression usually improves with treatment but everyone improves at their own rate so having patience is key.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/depression-treatment-how-to-encourage-and-support-your-loved-one-through-it-5360187.html

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