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It’s likely that at some point in your life, you’ll know someone who struggles with depression. If a friend or family member has disclosed their depression to you, you’re probably wondering how you can help support them. Depression is a serious illness, and responding in a constructive way after someone talks to you about their mental health is important. We’re here to help by walking you through how to respond when someone tells you they have depression.
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QuestionWhat activities are good for people with depression?Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. With over 12 years of psychological consulting experience, Dr. Chloe specializes in relationship issues, stress management, self-esteem, and career coaching. She has also instructed undergraduate courses at Long Island University and has served as adjunct faculty at the City University of New York. Dr. Chloe completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, and her clinical training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Kings County Hospital. She is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is the author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety” and “Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating.”One thing that I would recommend for a person who is depressed is to volunteer to help other people. When we start helping other people, we start noticing that other people, might even have bigger problems than we do, but that they seem to be managing. Another reason why volunteering is really helpful for people with depression is that another hallmark feature of depression oftentimes is a sense of worthlessness. By volunteering and helping others, you offer a lot of worth and a lot of value. You would be helping them and you would also be helping yourself because you would be affirming a sense of your worthiness and also getting perspective instead of just getting absorbed in your problem. You would start to focus on other people, which can be very helpful if you're in a depressed state.
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Tips
- Physical touch in tough situations can be extremely comforting. After someone first discloses their depression to you, give them a hug to let them know you’re there for them. If you’re sitting down, a hand squeeze can also be appropriate. [21] X Research sourceThanks
- Some people may not feel comfortable with being physically touched, and you should respect these boundaries. If you aren’t sure if a hug is appropriate, it’s okay to ask by saying something like, “Can I give you a hug?” [22] X Trustworthy Source Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network Largest anti-sexual assault organization in the US providing support and advocacy for survivors Go to sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Suicide is not the answer. If you're thinking about suicide, please call emergency services (usually 911 or 999) or a suicide hotline (some listed below) for assistance.Thanks
| Organization | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| S.A.F.E. Alternatives | (800) DONT-CUT |
| National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (United States) | 988 |
| Self-Injury Foundation | (800) 334-4357 |
| Samaritans (UK) | 116 123 |
| HOPELINE247 (UK) | 0800 068 41 41 |
| Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada) | 988 |
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References
- ↑ https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/depression-conversation-starters
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/helping-someone-with-depression.htm
- ↑ https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/relationships/how-to-support-friend-with-depression
- ↑ https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/q-and-a/someone-i-love-has-been-diagnosed-with-depression
- ↑ https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/depression-conversation-starters
- ↑ https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/depression-conversation-starters
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-dos-and-donts-for-supporting-someone-who-has-depression
- ↑ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women
- ↑ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/coping-with-depression.htm
- ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/for-friends-and-family/
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_thinking_about_the_future_makes_life_more_meaningful
- ↑ Chloe Carmichael, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 19 July 2019.
- ↑ https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/friends-and-family-members
- ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/for-friends-and-family/
- ↑ https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2020/My-Friend-Is-Suicidal-What-Should-I-Do
- ↑ https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2020/My-Friend-Is-Suicidal-What-Should-I-Do
- ↑ https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2020/My-Friend-Is-Suicidal-What-Should-I-Do
- ↑ https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression
- ↑ https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/affection
- ↑ https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent
- ↑ https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/supporting-someone/looking-after-yourself
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