Know Someone Suffering from Depression? You Could Help

Depression is one of the most debilitating and potentially deadly illnesses a person can have. When someone is depressed, they're not just sad or seeking attention like many people may think. Unfortunately, most people don't understand that depression is not chosen nor is it something a person can just snap out of. In fact, depression is believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, along with other factors. Like any serious medical condition, depression needs to be treated.

Depression can affect anyone and sadly, it's the leading cause of suicide. While women are twice more likely to become depressed than men, men are four times more likely to commit suicide. This is because males tend to not seek treatment and get the help they need. When depression is treated with a combination of medication and therapy, it can become manageable.

A lot of times when a person is severely depressed, they're not able to function properly. This may include not being able to work, cook, or shop among other things. If you know someone who is suffering from depression, there are ways that you can help. If it's someone close to you like a family member, close friend or neighbor, the first thing that you should do is show compassion. Some may assume that all depressed people want is sympathy and meds but that's far from the truth. As I already stated, depression is the leading cause of suicide; the worse you can do is say something insensitive to someone in that state of mind. So if you know someone who's suffering from depression, always watch your words around them and never tell them insensitive things like "Oh just snap out of it already." If they could, they would.

Other ways to show that you truly care about your loved one getting better include offering them assistance. Offer to take them to first seek medical help and then go along with them to their therapy sessions. If the person lives close to you, stop by often for a visit. A lot of times people who suffer from depression desire not to be bothered with others, so when you go, don't just sit around and try to mingle with them. Do something that's really helpful to them while there like cook dinner, put a load of laundry in the machine, and possibly run errands for them. If they have money but just unable to get out of their home to go store, go to the store for them. If the person suffering is a friend of yours who lives far away where you can't do those things, don't be shy to write them letters. For those who aren't depressed, you know how good you feel after getting an unexpected card or letter from someone. It's definitely a nice "pick me up", even if the joy is short lived.

In many countries, depression is often overlooked and unfunded. That may limit a person from getting the medical attention that they desperately need, but it does not prevent you from reaching out when no one else appears to care. Like some other illnesses, depression is not curable and many people suffer for years, sometimes their whole lives battling with it. However, it can be dealt with so that a person is able to function. So don't hesitate to help someone who suffers from depression. It has nothing to do with being someone's servant; it's just different ways to show that you're concerned for them and care about what they're going through. If you know someone with this potentially deadly illness, you understand how heart wrenching it is to see someone you care for in such a state.

Sources

Depression and Suicide
suicidal.com/depressionandsuicide/
Overcoming Obstacles to Treatment of Clinical Depression

University Health Services
www.uhs.berkeley.edu/lookforthesigns/depressionsuicide.shtml
Depression and Suicide

Welcome to Depression.com
www.depression.com/