How to Help a Depressed Loved One

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Whether it be a friend or family member it is not uncommon to find that at least one is feeling a little down this time of year. Light deprivation may be the cause. Less sun is a component to wintertime depression in some cases. Here are some tips to help: 1 Know all you can about the problem. There are some very good sites online that have great information on depression. Some good ones are: Webmd.com Healthatoz.com yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/ suicide.org 2 Ask what you can do to help. If you don't ask you don't know what your friend or loved one needs from you. Sometimes just help with a household chore or picking up the kids can be a god send to someone who is feeling depressed. 3 Get other people involved. Getting some other friends or family members to help in this will take a lot of the pressure off you. Sometimes you may find that the person afflicted wants to keep this a secret but it is not healthy. Don't let that happen. 4 Take time for yourself and know your limits. You can't watch them or be there for them 24 hours a day. And, in the end your friend needs to want to get help. This can be an overwhelming job and you need to be sure to take time for yourself. If you don't you could burnout and that won't help either of you. 5 Mood changes is one symptom of depression. Take threats seriously. You can't keep something like this a secret. If the person threatens suicide you must take action. The person can't be left alone and you should take all sharp objects and large amounts of medication away. Call suicide hotline(1-800-273-8255) or their therapist. In an emergency don't hesitate to call emergency services.