More Than Moody: Helping Friends and Family with Depression
All of us feel sad, moody or “blue” from time to time. These feelings are a normal part of life. Depression, however, is different.
About Depression
Depression is a treatable medical condition that involves chemical imbalances in the brain and affects people of all genders, races, ages and income levels. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness, nor can a person just “snap out of it.”
“Depression can rob those you love of the joy they usually experience in their daily activities. Often people who are depressed do not recognize the symptoms in themselves,” explains Brian Liebreich, M.D., associate medical director, Providence Health Plan, Behavioral Health.
Recognizing the signs of depression is essential, and often the first step to recovery. “You can learn how to recognize when a loved one is in crisis, and how to support them in getting help,” says Dr. Liebreich.
Recognizing the Signs of Depression
Depression can be very different for each person, but some common signs that indicate someone may be struggling with depression include:
- Loss of energy or interest in normal daily activities
- Difficulty experiencing enjoyment or happiness
- Feelings of sadness, isolation or crying spells
- Experience fatigue, insomnia or excessive sleep
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Difficulty concentrating or making simple decisions
- Thoughts of death
If you suspect it's depression, gently urging your loved one to see a doctor is the best thing you can do. Point out that depression is a medical condition that doctors can effectively treat. You may also offer to go to their first appointment with them for support.
Offering Emotional Support
It can be difficult to watch someone you care about be in distress. “You can participate in their recovery and offer compassion, encouragement and emotional support,” says Dr. Liebreich. “Just being available can often make a difference in helping a person through their illness.” Ask how you can help, but understand if they don't have suggestions. Be available for simple chores or errands when needed. Offer positive reinforcement, but realize that counseling and medications take time.
A qualified, licensed professional therapist can be very helpful for anyone struggling with stress, anxiety and depression. Short-term, problem-focused therapy may provide you and your family with additional support during difficult times. Providence Health Plan members may call PBH, a behavioral health management program for mental health and substance abuse treatment, at 1-800-711-4577, 24 hours a day.
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