Depressive disorder affects about 19 million Americans over age 18, according to the National

Institute of Mental Health. And this number is very likely low because many people suffering
from depression do not seek out help due to embarrassment, denial or shame.

Partners, friends and family members of those who are depressed also suffer. They often feel that
they have lost an important relationship due to the impact of depression. They also often feel
powerless to help their friend, partner or family member recover from depression's downward
spiral.

Learn the Symptoms of Depression

Those w ho are depressed often show several of the following symptoms|

 A depressed mood more often than not, with a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness
or emptiness;
 A constant, pessimistic attitude;
 Feelings of worthlessness, guilt or helplessness;
 A loss of interest in activities that once were enjoyable;
 Decreased energy, fatigue;
 A decline in sex drive;
 Difficulty concentrating;
 A change in appetite (eating much more, or much less, than usual);
 Insomnia, or oversleeping;
 Thoughts of death or suicide;
 Irritability; and
 Persistent body aches that do not respond to treatment.

Those who suffer from depression might not be aware that they are depressed, or they may be
too hopeless to care. Or sadly, they might be ashamed or feel weak because of their depression;
often people believe that if they try hard enough, they can just feel better on their own. However,
in the case of true clinical depression, it seldom improves without treatment.

Helping Depression Sufferers to Seek Treatment

The most important thing that a concerned friend, partner or family member can do is to help a
depression patient to seek out an accurate diagnosis and treatment for his depression. They
should explain what behaviors they are noticing, express concerned and their desire to help.

It might be necessary to help make the first appointment with the family doctor or a mental
health counselor. Since a good personality "fit" is important in a counseling relationship, many
mental health counselors will offer a short session for free.

Ensure the depressed individual to take any prescribed medications according to the doctor's
instructions. It will be necessary to have the patient sign a release of information so that the
physician or therapist can share about his progress.
Be a Compassionate Listener

Offer emotional support and encouragement. Help the depressed individual "get out of himself"
by inviting him on walks, or to the movies or other activities.

Allow her to express her feelings without minimizing or criticizing them. It might be difficult to
understand her perspective, but the depressed individual needs the validation that comes from
compassionate listening. Do not try to talk her out of her feelings. Just lend an ear and a
shoulder.

Take seriously any remarks about suicide; report them to the physician or therapist immediately
(this is another instance where a signed release of information is important).

Reassure him that being depressed does not mean that he is weak or defective in any way, and by
all means do not tell him to "get over it" or "snap out of it," because he can't.

Stay Positive When Helping Depressed Friends or Family

Healing from depression is a gradual process, and it can take some time before a depressed
individual begins to show signs of improvement. Antidepressant medication usually takes a few
weeks to take effect, and the symptoms of depression lift gradually.

Since the process is gradual and slow, it's vital that the patient and his support system remain
positive about a good prognosis for recovery. This positive outlook will help the patient stay
motivated to continue with treatment and self-help strategies