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Your initial objective should be to express your feelings in a thoughtful way, listen to the person's feelings and empathize with them, and encourage them to get a clinical evaluation. Here are some tips for when you decide to approach your family member, friend, or co-worker.

Find a time to talk with as few outside distractions as possible.

Tell the person how much you and others care about them.

In a caring way, acknowledge the changes in behavior that you have observed. Talk about how these changes have impacted you and the other people in their life.

Listen and empathize with that person's feelings.

Encourage Treatment

Encourage the person to get a clinical evaluation. You can start by helping them to fill out our Depression and Bipolar Test. When finished, you can print the results so that the person can bring them to a clinician for further evaluation. Mention that depression and bipolar disorder are both treatable medical conditions. Often, people feel relieved to learn that they are suffering from a medical condition. Ask the person to see a medical professional, offer to make an appointment, and go with the person or call the doctor in advance to state the person's symptoms.

What NOT to do

People with mood disorders are suffering from a medical condition, not a weakness of character. It is important to recognize their limitations.

Do not dismiss their feelings by saying things like "snap out of it" or "pull yourself together."

Do not force someone who is depressed to socialize or take on too many activities that can result in failure and increased feelings of worthlessness.

Although you can acknowledge negative views your loved one may express, do not agree with them. Negative thoughts are a symptom of depression. You need to continue to present a realistic picture by expressing hope that the situation will get better.

If your help is refused

Often when you try to help someone who has a mood disorder, your help is declined or nothing you do seems to help. You end up feeling rejected and discouraged that there is nothing more you can do.

People who are depressed may reject your help because they feel they should be able to help themselves, and feel worthless when they can't. Instead, they may withdraw or start an argument in an effort to resolve their difficulties. In addition, people with depression may have negative thoughts and feel so hopeless that they do not see recovery as a reality.

Fifty percent of people with bipolar disorder have a lack of insight, so they do not realize they are ill. For example, people with bipolar disorder may believe they are just a "high-energy person." This makes family involvement in seeking and managing treatment even more critical.

With these difficulties in mind, here are some things you can do.

Provide consistent support. Over time, if you consistently show support, the person will see that you are resolute and may accept your help. Continue trying some of the tips discussed in this section.

Discuss your feelings. When your help is refused, restate how much you care for the person. Let the person know how you feel, gently, by stating an example of the support you have offered and how it makes you feel when it is rejected.

Focus on behaviors. If the person is reluctant to seek help, then don't try to convince the person that a mood disorder is causing the problems. Instead, talk about their behaviors and the ways in which treatment can help. For example, after you have listened and sympathized with the person's feelings, try to agree on wellness goals (e.g., consistent sleep and feeling less irritable). Then, try to assign some action steps that you can agree on to reach these goals (e.g., after two weeks, if the person does not improve, you will set up a medical evaluation).

Agree on professional help. It is important to make sure your loved one gets the professional help he or she needs. If they are reluctant to see a therapist, talking with a primary care physician may be a less overwhelming option.

Get backup. Enlist the aid of family members, friends, and others who can also talk to the person of concern.

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Help an Adult - Families for Depression Awareness

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Your initial objective should be to express your feelings in a thoughtful way, listen to the person's feelings and empathize with them, and encourage them to get a clinical evaluation. Here are some tips for when you decide to approach your family member, friend, or co-worker.

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Anxiety and Depression Association of American

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Anxiety and Depression Association of American

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In this section, you'll find a guide to the treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD; resources for support; and tips for helping friends and relatives.

Learn about the many treatment options for anxiety disorders, depression, and related disorders, including how to choose a therapist, under Treatment.

Find an ADAA member therapist near you who specializes in treating anxiety and related disorders.

Reach out to others experiencing anxiety in Getting Support, where you'll find message boards and support group listings.

Here for someone else? Under Helping Others, learn what you can do to help friends and family who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and related disorders.

Learn how to apply for Social Security Disability benefits if you have an anxiety disorder, depression, or other disorders.

Find a list of self-help publications about anxiety, depression, and related disorders for children and adults, written by ADAA members who are leading experts.

What is Anxiety? (from ADAA's partner organization Anxiety.org) is an in-depth analysis and explanation of key anxiety disorders written by ADAA member experts.
Other resources: SAMSHA Behavioral Health Treatment Locator

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In this section, you'll find a guide to the treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD; resources for support; and tips for helping friends and relatives. Learn about the many treatment options for anxiety disorders, depression, and related disorders, including how to choose a therapist, under Treatment.

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Depression is a mood disorder defined by feelings of sadness. Learn more. including signs, symptoms, and how to get help.

Depression is no regular grade bad day.

Depression is a feeling that nothing matters that is so strong it interferes with one's ability to function in the world. School? Work? Social life? Depression can make getting out of bed every morning like climbing Mt. Everest. The good news is you do not have to climb the mountain alone. Asking for help could help you unlock the tools to make the climb easier. No sweat-you've got this.

There are a few key symptoms that could indicate you are experiencing far more than your average bummer.

According to the American Psychological Association, symptoms of depression could include:

Depressed mood. All day. Every day. For days.

Unintentional, significant weight loss

Not having any energy even after you've slept well

Feeling worthless or guilty

Having a hard time concentrating or making decisions

Thoughts of death or ending your life

Our Crisis Counselors are here to help can help you when you're feeling sadness or even in a dark episode of depression. Text a Crisis Counselor at 741741, or use the mobile text button below. Let's take on depression together.

If you're dealing with depression, you're likely feeling isolated and alone. No fear-we're here for you. Nobody should have to go through their dark times on their own. Together, we've got this.
Here are a few ways to start working through the sadness.

Text us. Getting vulnerable about what is going on in your life is the ultimate sign of bravery. We're ready to be brave with you. Connecting with a real human could help you work through the sadness in the moment and strategize ways to get out of the dark place in the long term. Text HELLO to 741741 to chat with a Crisis Counselor.

Self-care. If you're feeling depressed, taking care of yourself can feel like a feat. Pick one thing to focus on like eating a meal, getting dressed, or taking a shower. Did you pick one? Ok, great. Let's do this.

Let someone in. When you're depressed, likely the last thing you want to do is spend time with other humans. In reality, science says maintaining key aspects of your social life can be a powerful way to manage your depression. Try letting even one friend in and telling them what's going on. Need a place to start? Try shooting them a text like this: "Hey, I'm having a hard time and could use some company. Wanna hang?"

Talk to a pro. Mental health is health. So, sometimes it requires doctors to help you figure out the best plan for you. It's never too early to ask for help. Getting help from a pro could help you unlock the tools to get out of the dark place.

Common types of depression include:

Major Depression: According to the National Institute of Mental Health , Major Depression is the most common type of depression. Usually, it is two or more weeks of depression symptoms like feelings of worthlessness, feelings of guilt, and a lack of interest in things you used to love.

Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar Disorder is not the same as depression. However, it often includes symptoms of depression-one's mood will swing from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows.

Postpartum Depression: Having a baby can change the hormones in one's body. Sometimes, this hormonal change can trigger symptoms of depression. About 16% of mothers will experience postpartum depression within a year of childbirth.

Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder (PMDD): Hormonal changescan be a wild ride for your brain and your body. PMDD is a type of depression that affects women during their period. It includes symptoms that are more severe than your usual PMS.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Sometimes, people can experience depression around major changes in seasons. Usually, people experience SAD during the winter when the weather is cold and the days creep shorter. Often, SAD improves with the next change in seasons. That doesn't mean you need to wait it out to get help. Reach out to your doctor. And, of course, shoot us a text, too.

Depression and Anxiety

As the Anxiety and Depression Association of America notes, the link between depression and anxiety is common. Nearly 50% of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It's important to note, however, that depression and anxiety disorders - while linked - are different in terms of symptoms and causes.

Risk factors for depression include:

Family or personal history of depression

Major life stressors, including trauma or life changes such as the end of a relationship, a family loss, moving, or changing careers.

Chronic disease or certain medications

Drug and alcohol addiction

Women in their late teens to early 30s are at increased risk for major depression

Even the most severe cases of depression can be treated. And, the sooner you seek help, the better. Treatment for depression typically consists of therapy and medication. Other things to consider if you are managing depression:

Engaging in regular physical activity and exercise

Maintaining healthy and regular sleep patterns

Spending time with friends and loved ones and accepting help when offered

Understanding that your mood will improve gradually, not immediately

Continuing to learn more about your depression and maintaining awareness of what works, and what doesn't, as you and your doctor try out different treatment options

Talking to your doctor is a great first step to learning more about how you're feeling and the options around managing your mental wellness that will be most effective for you.
If you're dealing with depression, we can help. Text a Crisis Counselor at 741471 or use the mobile click to text button below. You're not alone.

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How to Deal with Depression | Crisis Text Line

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Depression is a mood disorder defined by feelings of sadness. Learn more. including signs, symptoms, and how to get help. Depression is no regular grade bad day. Depression is a feeling that nothing matters that is so strong it interferes with one's ability to function in the world. School? Work?

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If you are going through depression, it's best to get help from a therapist. To get the most from your therapy, you can do things to help yourself too.

Here are 5 things you can do to feel better. They may seem simple, but they can help a lot.

1. Exercise. Take a 15- to 30-minute brisk walk every day. Or you can dance, play a sport, stretch, or do yoga. People who are depressed may not feel much like being active. Try to get yourself to do it anyway. If you need a push, ask a friend to exercise with you. Getting any activity started helps boost your mood. Keep it going.

2. Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Some people with depression don't feel much like eating. Some may overeat. But what you eat can affect your mood and energy. So with depression, you need to be sure to eat right. For most people, that means plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit simple carbs and foods with added sugar, like "junk" food or desserts. Don't go for too long without eating. Even if you don't feel hungry, eat something light and healthy. And don't forget to stay hydrated with lots of water. Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks when possible.

3. Express yourself. With depression, your creativity and sense of fun may seem blocked. But it can help to do things that get your creative juices flowing. Paint, draw, or doodle. Sew, cook, or bake. Write, dance, or compose music. Chat with a friend or play with a pet. Find something to laugh about. Watch a funny movie. Do things you can enjoy. Even a little. That helps turn depression around.

4. Don't dwell on problems. It can feel good to talk through a problem with a caring friend. But depression can lead people to complain, blame, and rehash problems too much. It can keep you focused on what's wrong.

It's OK to air your thoughts and feelings with people who care. But don't let problems be all you talk about. Talk about some good things too. Try to turn your negative thoughts into more positive ones. This can help your mood become more positive.

5. Notice good things. Depression affects a person's view of things. Things can seem dismal, negative, and hopeless. To shift your view, make it a goal to notice 3 good things in every day. The more you notice what's good, the more good you will notice.

Most of all, if you're going through depression, show yourself some compassion and kindness. When you're going through a hard time, it helps to know you're not alone. Be patient with yourself. Depression takes time to heal.

Date reviewed: August 2022

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5 Ways to Help Yourself Through Depression

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If you are going through depression, it's best to get help from a therapist. To get the most from your therapy, you can do things to help yourself too. Here are 5 things you can do to feel better. They may seem simple, but they can help a lot. Exercise.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Frequently Asked Questions - What is SAMHSA’s National Helpline?