What You Can Do:

1. Educate Yourself On Depression

2. Urge Your Loved One To Seek The Support Of a Professional

3. Model Compassion and Empathy

4. Check In

5. Understand Warning Signs of Suicidality

1. Educate Yourself On Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder that impacts one’s mood, and energy levels, and results in a loss of interest in things that were once enjoyable. Depression comes in “episodes” which can last several months.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Some symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, or “empty” mood, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, irritability, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities.

2. Urge Your Loved One To Seek The Support Of a Professional

Unfortunately, you cannot play the role of a therapist. Encourage your loved one to seek the support of a professional who specializes in depression and mood disorders. Offer to help your loved one find a therapist who might be a good fit.

3. Model Compassion and Empathy

With depression comes a lot of cruel inner dialogue and self-loathing. Help support your loved one by modelling the compassion and empathy that they are probably struggling to give themselves.

4. Check In

Let your loved one know often that you care about them and you are thinking about them. Extend invites to plans, offer to come over and do an activity that requires a small amount of energy such as watching a show or movie. Include them in events and extend loose invites to them while understanding that they may not be up for it.

5. Understand Warning Signs of Suicidality

Look out for risk factors that may indicate your loved one is suicidal. If you believe a loved one is suicidal, offer to go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital with them. Alert other trusted friends or family so you can work together to keep your loved one safe. Call 911 if there is an imminent risk. Call a suicide hotline.