Supporting Someone with Depression: 7 Key Strategies
Depression is a pervasive mental health issue affecting millions worldwide. As of 2021, the World Health Organization
estimated that 5% of adults globally are living with depression, making it one of the most common mental health
disorders.
If you know someone grappling with depression, offering them support is crucial. In this article, we
will provide you with seven effective strategies for supporting someone with depression.
1. Open the Door for Conversation
- Approach with Empathy: Start by expressing your concern and empathy. Let them know you’re there for them, ready
to listen whenever they are ready to talk.
- Avoid Assumptions: Sometimes, individuals with depression may not explicitly mention their struggles. Politely
acknowledge any signs you’ve noticed without prying.
2. Offer Practical Assistance
- Recognize Daily Challenges: Depression often leads to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and lack of motivation. Offer practical help, such as preparing meals or ensuring they get to appointments on time.
- Be a Good Listener: Sometimes, all they need is someone who can lend an
empathetic ear. Be that person wholistens without judgment.
3. Inquire About Their Treatment
- Show Support for Professional Help: Depression is a medical condition, not a sign of weakness. Encourage them
to seek professional help if they haven’t already.
- Acknowledge Progress: If you notice improvements in their condition, let them know. It can help validate the
effectiveness of their treatment.
4. Remind Them They’re Not Alone
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| Remind Then They’re Not Alone! |
- Highlight Commonality: Depression is prevalent, affecting about 4.7% of adults in the US. Assure them they’re
not alone in their struggle.
- Share Your Experience (if applicable): If you’ve experienced depression, sharing your journey can help them
relate, but ensure the focus remains on them.
5. Express Their Importance to You
- Affirm Your Support: Let them know they are important to you and that their presence in your life matters.
- Specific Appreciation: Be specific about what you value about them or how they positively impact your
life.
6. Acknowledge the Difficulty
- Validate Their Struggle: Acknowledge that depression is incredibly challenging. This validates their feelings
and shows understanding.
- Be Their Coping Partner: By acknowledging the difficulty, you convey your willingness to support them in
coping with it.
7. Offer Hope and Encourage Help-Seeking
- Convey Hope: Remind them that there is hope and that you believe in their ability to overcome their struggles.
- Promote Professional Help: Reiterate the importance of seeking professional assistance when necessary.
Remember, your words won’t magically cure their depression, but they can provide essential emotional support. If you
suspect someone may be at risk of suicide, don’t hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at
800-273-8255. They provide free, confidential support 24/7 and can guide you on how to offer assistance through
social media platforms as well.
Depression is a challenging journey, but with the right support, recovery is possible. Be a source of strength and
understanding for your loved ones, and encourage them to seek the help they need to regain their well-being.
The Limitations of Crisis Hotlines: When Help Falls Short
In times of crisis, individuals like Kaley, a 32-year-old battling anxiety and depression, often turn to crisis
hotlines as a lifeline.
However, Kaley’s experience, and that of many others, highlights a concerning reality: crisis
hotlines, which are meant to provide crucial support, sometimes fail to deliver the help people desperately need.
An Alarming Trend
Kaley’s emotional breakdown related to work left her in dire need of mental health support. She reached out to a
crisis hotline, hoping to find someone who could understand and assist her. Unfortunately, the response she received
was far from adequate. The operator’s suggestion to get her nails or hair done was not only insensitive but also
dismissive of the severity of her crisis.
Kaley’s distressing encounter is not isolated; it reflects a growing trend of negative experiences with crisis hotlines.
Callers frequently report long wait times, voicemail inboxes, and unhelpful advice. This raises a critical question: can
crisis hotlines truly be trusted when they fail to meet the needs of those in crisis?
Hotlines with Limits
While crisis hotlines play a vital role in assisting individuals in crisis, it is essential to acknowledge their inherent
limitations. These limitations vary, with some hotlines being understaffed, others undertrained, and nearly all
overburdened. Despite the emergence of text-based alternatives, such as Crisis Text Line, the quality of services
remains inconsistent.
Sam’s experience with Crisis Text Line, for example, revealed a lack of competence in addressing specific issues. When he
sought help for anorexia nervosa, he received a generic response that did not adequately address his situation. To make
matters worse, the support link provided was broken, leaving Sam without a valuable resource.
Reflective Listening: A Frustrating Approach
One common frustration reported by callers is the technique of reflective listening, often used by hotline operators.
While intended to convey empathy, this approach can often feel robotic and unhelpful. Callers like Lauren have expressed
their dissatisfaction, feeling as though they must educate the operators about their own struggles.
Lauren’s experience illustrates the need for a different approach. Reflective listening, when used ineffectively, can lead
to callers feeling unheard and unsupported. This frustration can even drive individuals to self-harm or self-medicate,
underscoring the urgent need for improved training and methods.
Seeking Alternatives
While crisis hotlines remain a valuable resource for many, it is crucial to recognize that they are not a one-size-fits-all
solution. Individuals like Sam and Lauren have found themselves dissatisfied with the support they received. In such
cases, alternative strategies for coping with crisis become essential.
Samantha Levine, a licensed clinical social worker, recommends several approaches for individuals in crisis.
One critical
step is distinguishing between passive thoughts of suicide and actual plans. It is essential to understand that having
these thoughts does not necessarily lead to self-harm or suicide.
Levine emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment, securing potential means of self-harm, and involving
trusted individuals in the safety plan. Communication with loved ones can play a crucial role in ensuring one’s well-being.
The Importance of Safety Plans
Creating a personal safety plan is another valuable strategy. This plan can outline safety measures, people to contact,
and coping skills tailored to an individual’s needs. Coping skills such as breathing exercises, meditation, journaling,
and physical activity can help deescalate a crisis and provide a stable foundation for problem-solving in the future.
Bottom Line
While crisis hotlines can be a lifeline for those in need, they are not without their limitations. Negative experiences
like Kaley’s, Sam’s, and Lauren’s underscore the need for improved training and approaches within these services.
However, individuals facing crisis should also explore alternative strategies, such as safety plans and coping skills,
to ensure their well-being.
It is vital to recognize that while crisis hotlines have their place, they may not always provide the level of support
individuals require.
By embracing a multi-faceted approach to mental health crisis management, we can better address
the needs of those seeking help during their darkest moments. Remember, help is available, and there are ways to find
the support you need.
