Depression is a severe mental health condition that can profoundly impact an individual’s life. It can be difficult to understand depressive disorders and even more challenging to know how to help someone with depression. That’s why people need to take the time to learn about mood disorders, their causes, and most importantly, ways they can provide depression help and potentially support people they love.
Knowing how to provide appropriate ways to help someone with depression can make all the difference in recovery and give loved ones hope during this difficult time. Call 844.334.4727 to speak with someone from Springfield Wellness Center’s knowledgeable and compassionate team about our depression treatment center in Louisiana and how we help our patients on the path to mental health recovery.
Ways to Help Someone with Depression
Simply being there for someone struggling with depression is often enough to make a difference. You can also:
- Listen without judgment – Let your loved one know that you’re there for them no matter what, and provide a safe space for them to express themselves without fear of being judged or criticized.
- Offer emotional support – Providing emotional support can be just as crucial as providing practical assistance when helping someone with depression. Be patient and understanding but challenge negative thinking patterns if you feel comfortable doing so.
- Encourage healthy habits – Encouraging healthy habits such as exercise, good nutrition, and plenty of sleep may help improve your loved one’s mood in the short term and reduce the risk for future episodes in the long term.
- Get professional help – Talk therapy and medication can be effective treatment methods for people struggling with depression. However, it’s essential to find a professional your loved one feels comfortable speaking with before beginning treatment.
Finally, you need to take care of yourself. Doing so while learning how to help someone with depression is essential to continue providing depression help over time without becoming overwhelmed or burned out.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a serious mental health condition that causes persistent sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It can lead to physical symptoms such as the following:
- Changes in weight
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Lack of interest in activities
- Loss of appetite
- Physical aches and pains
It can also lead to difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things. Depression can be caused by various factors, including biological, environmental, psychological, or an accumulation of all three. If left untreated, depression can prevent people from living their everyday lives. People struggling with depression may also experience suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide.
What Are the Types of Depressive Disorders?
Types of depressive disorders include the following:
- Bipolar disorders
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
- Postpartum depression (PPD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Psychotic depression
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
The most common type of depressive disorder is MDD, characterized by episodes lasting at least two weeks in which a person experiences symptoms such as sadness and lack of energy or interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Bipolar disorders are characterized by depression and mania, which are characterized by extreme moods that can be difficult to manage. DMDD is a depression-like disorder in children and adolescents between six and 18 years old. PPD is depression experienced after childbirth, while PMDD is depression that occurs before a woman’s menstrual cycle.
How to Help Someone with Postpartum Depression
PDD is a depression type that lasts for at least two years, with episodes occurring most days throughout this period. Like depression in general, postpartum depression requires professional intervention. Encouraging a friend or family member with postpartum depression to seek help can motivate them to seek assistance. Also, helping them with childcare can help take the emotional burden off of someone with postpartum depression.
How to Help Someone with Seasonal Depression
SAD is depression caused by the changing seasons and lack of sunlight, while psychotic depression is depression accompanied by delusions or hallucinations. You might suggest light therapy to help alleviate some of the symptoms of seasonal depression. In light therapy, a light box simulates outdoor light. Sitting in front of one for at least 30 minutes can help someone struggling with seasonal depression.
Find Depression Treatment in Louisiana at Springfield Wellness Center
Supporting someone struggling with depression can be difficult, but with the proper depression treatment, it doesn’t have to be. The knowledgeable and compassionate team at Springfield Wellness Center is dedicated to providing depression help and support in a safe, caring environment. Contact Springfield Wellness Center today at 844.334.4727 to learn more about our depression treatment center in Louisiana.