As news of Robin Williams’ death hit the internet last week, fans everywhere were left grieving over the beloved actor’s passing. His death has not only reminded us never to take time with our loved ones for granted, but it has also reminded us of the seriousness of untreated depression.
Williams had been depressed and in and out of treatment for some time. This news has saddened everyone who knew of or loved the actor. The news has also shed light on depression and how to help loved ones struggling with depression.
Many people around us today who are suffering from the same unfortunate condition. If you are worried that your child or someone you know and love may also be suffering from depression, here are four steps you should take.
Here are four ways you can help a loved one struggling with depression:
1. Recognize that Depression is Real
Real clinical depression is much more than just sadness or moodiness. Depression is a disorder that alters the chemicals in a person’s brains. People can’t just “snap out of it” or “get over it.” They aren’t just being downers, they aren’t being overly dramatic, and it isn’t their fault.
2. Get Educated
Depression is much more complex than it seems. Take the time to get educated about clinical depression, including its causes, risk factors, symptoms and treatments. This will help you to understand what your child is going through, to make decisions that are in your child’s best interest, and to seek out the best treatment for your child. Depression Hurts is a good resource.
3. Be Understanding
While it may be impossible to completely understand what is like to be depressed if you haven’t been there yourself, that doesn’t mean you should try to understand. Ask your depressed love one what being depressed feels like to them, if you can get them to open up. Offer them extra love, support and grace. Try to avoid feeling hurt if they don’t want to hang out the way that they used to.
4. Help Them Seek Professional Help
Asking for help can be difficult for anyone, especially people suffering from depression. Your loved one may not they need help and not know how to ask, or they may not even realize they need help yet. While you can’t force anyone to get better, you can help them to take the steps they need to in order to get the treatment they need. Be prepared but initial resistance, but keep their best interests in mind.
Furthermore, if your loved one is threatening or implying suicide, get professional help immediately. Take them to the nearest emergency room, call the police, or dial an emergency suicide hotline such as 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-999-9999. Don’t worry about your loved one’s feelings at a time like this. Worry about saving their life.
Depression can be a scary thing, but ignoring it will not make it go away. Instead, follow these four steps to help your loved ones during their most difficult time. You may just save their life.
Wife and mom to two very energetic little boys, when Brittany isn’t busy chasing after her kidlets, you can find her reading, writing or sneaking chocolate so she doesn’t have to share–probably all of the above!