When and How to Intervene with Someone Who Has Depression

Depression is often subtle. Before someone seeks medical help and receives a definitive diagnosis, their symptoms may masquerade as other issues, ranging from a poor attitude or alcohol abuse to a sleep disorder or an eating disorder. Behavior that may seem strange can actually be a sign of a more serious problem.

Part of the difficulty in recognizing depression is that it can manifest in so many different ways. Some people with depression may become aggressive, irritable, and even abusive. Others may simply become lethargic, anxious, or restless. Depression may also cause people to become more withdrawn or to become less interested in activities they once enjoyed. They may even express feeling of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness. Any of these behaviors may be evident in men or women who experience depression.

Other signs of depression may include:

• notable changes in appetite, accompanied by sudden
  weight gain or weight loss
• trouble concentrating
• difficulty remembering things
• sleeping too much or too little
• talk of death or suicide
• attempts to commit suicide
• aches, pains, or cramps that don’t go away, even
  after treatment

If someone you know is showing signs of depression, it may be time for you to intervene. However, it can be difficult to know when and how you should do it. Experts recommend consulting a medical or mental health professional when any signs of depression last longer than a few weeks. It’s normal to feel sad or depressed in the wake of a stressful or tragic life event, such as a divorce or loss of a loved one. However, these feelings are normally short lived. If your friend or family member is experiencing persistent and intense feelings of sadness for extended periods of time, then they may have depression.

Some people with depression become so overwhelmed by feelings of sadness and hopelessness that they begin to have suicidal thoughts. If your loved one ever talks about suicide or threatens to commit suicide, it’s extremely important to take the threat seriously.

Even if your friend or loved one isn’t in immediate danger, it’s still important to speak to them about the challenges they may be facing. Express your concern and encourage them to seek medical treatment. Offer to help them find a doctor or mental health professional, to make a phone call, or to go with them to their first appointment. Once your loved one receives treatment, help them follow their healthcare provider’s advice. Most people with depression will feel better after they start taking an antidepressant and going to therapy on a regular basis.

It’s critical to take action if you’re in a position to help. Starting a conversation and expressing your feelings can motivate your loved one to seek treatment and can ultimately help them recover.