What to do when someone you love has depression

By Geri Corey
An occasional change in mood is common for all people, regardless of age, sex, or race. But if you’re experiencing a down, or low feeling that continues for two weeks or more and is interfering with your everyday life, it’s time to address what could be depression.
Often the person struggling with depression is battling one or more symptoms at once (please see sidebar). He is unaware that his personality and demeanor have changed. It may be up to a family member, friend, or co-worker to notice he’s “just not himself” lately.
“A person is entitled to the way he feels and thinks that affect his behavior,” said Rita Tomosivitch-Imholz, a therapist with a private practice in Warwick, N.Y., and an office at the Center for Stress Reduction in Goshen, N.Y. "It’s in his present, but it can change. His thoughts formed over many years can eventually be challenged."
How you can helpTomosivitch-Imholz said you can help a person with depression in the following ways:
In a quiet area, encourage the person to talk with you, and, most importantly, listen to what he’s saying about his feelings. Empathize with him; don’t downplay what he’s telling you or use expressions like “pull yourself together” or “snap out of it.”
Develop a rapport. There has to be an element of trust when reaching out to the person. Validate his feelings.
Tell the person how much you and others care for him. Knowing that others are fond of him, and do care about him, will help ease his pain.
In a gentle way, without being critical, share with him the changes in his behavior that you and others have observed. Include in your discussion how his behavior has affected you and others.
Keep in mind that he probably isn’t up for small talk and socializing at this point, so it’s better not to press social events or other activities. If he attempts to socialize without being up to it, it might set him up for more feelings of failure.
Acknowledge his negative views while gently emphasizing there’s hope and that things will get better. Ask him about his life before his illness: What interests did he have? What brought him joy? What are his hopes for the future?
Take your timeBear in mind that "working with a person with depression is an ongoing process because you’re breaking down ways of thinking," said Tomosivitch-Imholz. "It will take time.”
Each person is affected differently by depression, and finding what works best won't happen right away.
Finally, encourage the person to seek medical attention through a clinical evaluation. Depression is a medical condition that is treatable through medicine, therapy, and support groups.
“Although a person suffering with depression might lack energy, have no enthusiasm, and not want to do anything, a suggestion of taking a small walk might appeal to him,” said Tomosivitch-Imholz. “Going outside and taking a short walk is hard for him to do, his symptoms are overwhelming, but taking small steps is the best approach. Reaching out to him is important.”