- Know what is true about depression, and know the myths about depression.
- Know the warning signs of suicide, such as talking a lot about death or giving things away and writing a will. If you notice them, call the doctor.
- Call 911 or emergency help if you think:
- The person is going to harm himself or herself or others. For example, the person has a written plan or a weapon, or is saving (stockpiling) medicines.
- The person is hearing or seeing things that are not real.
- The person seems to be thinking or speaking in a bizarre way that is unlike his or her usual behavior.
If you have permission, you can:
- Help the person set up and get to visits with a doctor or other health professional.
- Help the person manage medicines.
- Know the side effects of medicines and contact the doctor if needed.
- Remind the person with depression that medicine is important and that the dose or medicine can be changed to reduce or get rid of side effects.
A person with depression may feel alone in the world. Your support can help.
- Listen when the person wants to talk. If you're there to help the person talk things through, it may help the person feel better or continue treatment.
- Avoid giving advice. But gently point out that not everything is bad, and offer hope. Urge the person to continue treatment. Don't tell the person that he or she is lazy or should be able to get over it.
- Keep your relationship as normal as you can, but don't pretend that depression doesn't exist or that there isn't a problem.
- Ask the person to do things with you, such as go for walks or to a movie, and encourage the person to continue with favorite activities. If the person says no, then that's okay. But be sure to ask again in the future. Don't push too much, which may make the person feel worse.
- Ask what you can do to help in daily life. You might help with housework or lawn care, getting the kids to school, or running errands.
- Don't be offended. If you are a spouse or are very close to someone, you may feel hurt because the person isn't paying attention to you and may seem angry or uncaring. Remember that your loved one still cares for you but just isn't able to show it.
Spending a lot of time with someone who has depression may be hard on you too. These caregiver tips can help:
- Take care of yourself first. Do things you enjoy, such as seeing family or going to movies.
- Don't help too much. A common mistake caregivers make is providing too much care. Even if they don't admit it, people like to help themselves. Take some time off.
- Don't do it alone. Ask others to help you, or join a support group. The more support you have, the more help you can give to the person.
Last Updated:
November 30, 2007
