Depression is not just about feeling blue sometimes; it’s a serious condition that affects your mood, thoughts, and behavior. And while it may make you uncomfortable, asking for help is a necessary step toward recovery. For many people with depression, it can be difficult to find the motivation to reach out to others. That’s because isolation, hopelessness, exhaustion, and withdrawing from friends and family are all part of the condition.
“Depression does not come on all at once, so it can be hard for someone with to recognize that they need help,” says Vineeth John, MD, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. “At first, they may just think they are having a bad day or they are not feeling like themselves. Asking for help may be the first sign of recognizing this insidious disease.”
Seeking Support for Depression
Support for depression can come from many sources, including doctors, mental health counselors, friends, and family members. “Overcoming the stigma of depression is an important beginning,” says Dr. John. Start by sharing your feelings about depression with someone close to you, such as your spouse, another family member, or a friend. Getting it out in the open helps you accept that depression is a real condition with real symptoms that you need to start managing.
Here are some additional tips for taking that first step and asking for help:
- Recognize that your negative feelings are part of your depression and do not reflect the reality of your situation.
- Understand that depression is not a sign of weakness.
- Seek help from your doctor, a mental health professional, a social worker, someone in employee assistance at work, or a counselor at your school.
- Avoid the temptation to isolate yourself from the people you love and who love you.
“The therapeutic bond that develops between the person with depression and supportive loved ones cannot be underestimated. It may be the strongest bridge to recovery,” says John.
Coping With Depression: How Friends and Family Can Help
Having a supportive network of friends and family is essential. Everyday activities can seem insurmountable when you are coping with depression, and on top of that, nearly 40 percent of people with depression may neglect to take their medications. “Having someone to help keep track of medications and other treatments is just one of the important roles a family member or close friend can play,” notes John.
Here are some other ways to get support for depression from family and friends:
- Ask them to listen when you need someone to talk to.
- Ask for help with chores and errands.
- Ask them to remind you to eat well, go to sleep at regular hours, and get out of the house for some exercise.
- Ask them to go for a walk, go to a movie, or just to stop by and spend some time with you.
- Ask them to help keep you away from drugs and alcohol.
- Ask them to be patient and supportive and to remind you that there is light at the end of the tunnel when you are at low points during your recovery.
- Ask them to get you to your doctor or other appointments on time. They may even be able to help you talk to the doctor and keep notes for you.
- If you feel like hurting yourself at any time, ask for help immediately. If no one is around to help you, call 911 or the 24-hour national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Asking for help with depression takes courage, but acknowledging your condition and finding ways to cope with the symptoms will help you regain control. Depression is not something you can tackle on your own, but the good news is that you don’t have to. There are many people who can help you cope with your depression — from doctors and mental health professionals to friends and loved ones. They can help you get better. All you need to do is ask.