10 Ways to Support Someone with Depression
Know someone who’s struggling with low mood or having a hard time at the moment? Here’s a list of things you can do to help support someone with depression.
Depression in men
We all have moments of feeling down, but depression is more than that. Depression can result in feeling low for days or weeks at a time.(1). Stigma surrounding men’s mental health means that blokes are less likely to reach out if they’re struggling. So let’s do all we can to help them chat about their feelings...
1. Ask him how he’s doing
• If he responds with “I’m fine” don’t be afraid to ask again, it will let him know you’re there to listen when he’s ready.
2. Listen
• Let him know he has your undivided attention, he’s chosen to confide in you so mute your phone and be there for him. It’ll mean the world to him.
3. Encourage him to seek help
• If you’re worried about your friend, gently suggest that he contact his GP to let them know how he’s feeling.
• Let him know about men’s support groups highlighted in our “Men’s Mental Health Matters” blog.
4. Act as you normally would
• Always play a game of footie on a Thursday night? Keep asking him to come along, Depression can make you feel isolated so keep inviting him to socials, and if he doesn’t turn up that’s okay! Just remember to check in with him.
5. Offer to help with every day things
• When you’re depressed everyday tasks can become difficult. Drop some food off for him and gently offer to help around the house.
6. Look after yourself
• Listening to someone’s worries and stresses can be very draining, remember to take care of yourself too.
7. Offer ongoing support
• Don’t let him think your support was just a one off. Remember to check in with him so he’s reminded that you’re there for him.
8. Point him towards resources if he doesn’t want to talk
• There may be plenty of reasons why he doesn’t want to tell you what’s bothering him.
• Gently recommend it may be good for him to get things off his chest by contacting confidential services like SHOUT or the Samaritans.
9. Offer to go on a walk/jog with him
• The least helpful thing someone can say when you’re having a hard time is “have you tried exercise” and by no means am I suggesting that exercise will banish the blues but even 30 minutes of exercise can boost your mood, even if it's only momentarily.
• So offer to take a quick walk round the park, even just to get some fresh air.
10. Educate yourself
• Spend some time researching depression and other mental health conditions.
• Resources like NHS and Mind are a great place to start
This is by no means a comprehensive list of how you can support someone with depression but hopefully will provide you with some insight on how to help your loved one. Remember to let your friend know you’re there for him and that you’re able to help in any way you can. Be it by educating yourself more on mental health, listening to his worries or encouraging him to seek help.
For those in crisis:
Need to speak to someone immediately? Contact the Samaritans for free on 116 123 for confidential support.
- https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/key-data-mental-health
By Christina @ Brown Paper Packages
