Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting adults today. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, within the last year, over 14 million adults have had one or more major depressive episodes. It can be challenging when someone you love is part of that statistic.
Whether you have a friend with major depression or a family member with seasonal affective disorder, your response matters. Here are some helpful ways to recognize and respond to signs of depression in a loved one.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Depression
There are many different types of depression. However, three of the most common are major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Here’s what to know about each type.
Major Depression
This is the classic type of depression often depicted in movies and seen in real life. During major depression, affected individuals often lose all interest in activities, people, and things they used to love. Major depression can be debilitating and long-lasting. People with this type of depression usually require professional care. Depending on the severity of the condition, your loved one may need counseling services, medication, and/or mental health rehab.
Common symptoms of major depression include loss of energy, changes in weight and appetite, and a persistent dark mood. An individual with this disorder may also experience feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. They may have persistent thoughts of harming themselves or committing suicide. Unfortunately, people with major depression may not always voice these thoughts to others. Therefore, you may need to trust your intuition if you think a relative or friend may be a danger to him- or herself.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
This type of depression may not be as severe as major depression, but it results in a long-lasting low mood. Persistent depressive disorder used to be called “dysthymia.” It causes feelings of joylessness for at least two years. Most people who have this type of depression can still manage to function somewhat normally. However, they may be plagued by feelings of sadness and gloom.
As with major depression, some of the most common symptoms of persistent depressive disorder include hopelessness, low self-worth, and a dark mood. People with this disorder may also experience weight fluctuations. Some may have no appetite and lose weight, while others may respond to their low mood by using food as comfort and thus gain weight.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is estimated to impact about 5% of adults in the U.S. each year. SAD typically emerges in affected individuals during the fall and winter months and goes away in the spring or summer. It can cause otherwise happy people to become sullen and moody. These mood changes may be partially due to decreased sunlight exposure during shorter days. This relative lack of light can impact the body’s natural rhythms and decrease levels of melatonin and serotonin in the body.
One of the most common signs of SAD to look for in a loved one is a sudden onset of sadness that returns every winter. You may also notice that they seem more anxious, experience problems sleeping, and no longer enjoy favorite activities. People with SAD often become withdrawn during the fall and winter and may even experience thoughts of death or suicide.
How to Help a Loved One Who’s Battling Depression
Though you may feel powerless to pull someone out of a dark mood, you can have a bigger impact than you realize. Here are a few things you can do to help a loved one who’s battling depression.
Offer Emotional Support
Being there for your family member or friend and offering emotional support is one of the simplest, yet most impactful ways to help them. Your love, time, and attention reinforce the idea that they are worthy of love and happiness when they might otherwise feel worthless. Whenever possible, try to bring humor and happiness to your loved one’s life. You could do this by taking them on an outing, watching a comedy together, or asking them what they prefer to do.
Depression often causes people to self-isolate, which can in turn make them feel even more lonely. It’s good to encourage your loved one to get out of the house and have fun. But try not to be offended if they seem unwilling to get together in person. Remember that you can also offer emotional support over the phone. Often, just listening to the affected person without judgment can be very therapeutic for them.
Encourage Treatment
Fortunately, mental health disorders are not as stigmatized as they used to be. However, many people still find it embarrassing to admit that they have a problem. Others may be afraid to talk to a professional about their problems because they don’t know whom they can trust.
You can help by encouraging your loved one to seek professional treatment. Explain that depression is a health condition just like diabetes or a broken ankle. People typically aren’t ashamed about treating physical health conditions, and there’s no need to feel ashamed about treating mental health disorders, either. Offer to set up an appointment or go along with them so they feel more comfortable.
Check On Them Often
Depression can be a scary disorder, especially when those who have it experience suicidal thoughts. Check in on your loved one often to make sure they’re doing OK. Offer to assist them with their laundry, dishes, or other daily chores as needed. Even if they refuse your offer, they will likely appreciate the fact that you’re thinking about them.
Each time you contact them, look for warning signs that their condition may be worsening. If you notice worrisome behavior changes, worsening isolation tendencies, or preoccupation with death, intervene promptly. You may need to call 911 if you feel your friend or family member’s life is in immediate danger.
Depression can seem like a hopeless battle when a person is in the thick of it. Help your loved one get through by offering emotional support, encouraging treatment, and checking in on them often.