4 Ways to Help a Family Member with Depression

It can be difficult to watch someone you love struggle with depression.

They may be moody or closed off, and you feel like there is nothing you can do when you suspect substance abuse or suicide. While supporting someone with depression can be overwhelming, it is important that you are there for your struggling loved one.

Be Present

If you notice that someone you love is exhibiting signs of depression, do not stand by idly – take action. The worst way to help a family member with depression is to do nothing while they continue to struggle on their own. Helping someone with depression can be difficult, but the last thing you want to do is ignore them in their time of need.

Talk to them

Talk to your family member and try to determine what is bothering them the most or in what situations they feel the most down. If they mention how scrolling through Instagram makes them feel depressed, encourage a social media purge. They may not even know what is triggering their depression until they speak out about it. It is natural to also feel overwhelmed when suffering with depression. If you noticed they’ve been especially stressed, you can find ways to pitch in to help when necessary.

Do Not Yell at Them

Depression is a mental health disorder that often requires mental health treatment. Telling them to “get over it” when you’re frustrated is the wrong approach that would more than likely make matters worse. It’s possible that biological components of depression could be at play. If you want to help a family member with depression, support them and be patient instead of yelling at them.

Get them Professional Help

If you think a family member is exhibiting signs of substance abuse or you suspect they are having suicidal thoughts, it is important to immediately seek out a mental health facility with professional and experienced staff qualified to treat depression and co-occurring disorders. Depression and drug abuse can go hand in hand, which can quickly become overwhelming. At Banyan Mental Health, we offer depression treatment in Boca that can guide them and you through the process.

Our residential mental health program in Boca works with people who suffer from mental health disorders, including depression. We personalize treatments to meet the specific needs of each individual patient to set them on the best road to recovery.

If you know a family member who is struggling with depression or suffers from co-occurring disorders, contact us today at 888-280-4763 to get more information. There is only so much you can do alone; let us help.