It’s normal to have feelings of sorrow or depression from time to time. However, if these symptoms last for two weeks or longer or start interfering with everyday life, they may be an indicator of depression.

Depression might take time to develop. A sad person does not always recognize that they are not feeling or behaving as they frequently do.

Often, it is a spouse, family member, or caregiver who recognizes the need for assistance. They may advise their friend or family to consult a doctor or seek other forms of assistance.

Symptoms that a person is depressed

Depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways.

It’s possible that you’ve noticed that someone:

• has stopped being interested in doing activities that they used to like
• appears to be depressed or hopeless
• has slower speech and motions than normal, or is fidgety and restless
• feels weary or depleted of energy
• is eating excessively or has losing their appetite
• is sleeping more than normal or cannot sleep
• has difficulty concentrating on ordinary activities such as watching TV or reading the newspaper

Symptoms of depression in older people

According to certain non-governmental organizations, indicators of sadness in elderly persons can include:

• refrigerators and cabinets that are empty (which suggest a poor diet)
• appearance was overlooked
• a lack of hygiene
• someone who appears to be uninterested in greeting visitors

Suggestions for assisting someone who appears to be in distress

• Make it clear that you understand and are available to listen.
• Accept individuals as they are, without passing judgment.
• Encourage them to assist themselves by remaining fit and healthy, eating a well-balanced diet, and doing activities they like.
• Learn about the options that are accessible to them in their region, such as psychological counseling or depression support groups.
• Keep in contact by chatting, texting, calling, or gathering for coffee. Depressed people may grow lonely and find it difficult to leave their house.
• Attempt to be patient.
• Take proper care of yourself.

Assisting the individual to seek assistance

As you cannot influence another person’s recovery from depression, you may begin by urging the depressed individual to seek assistance. It might be difficult to get a depressed individual into treatment. Because depression saps energy and ambition, even setting an appointment or locating a doctor may seem onerous to your loved one. Negative thought patterns are also associated with depression. A depressed individual may assume that his or her condition is hopeless and that treatment is futile.

Because of these challenges, getting your loved one to acknowledge the problem—and showing them that it is solvable—is a critical step in depression treatment.

If a friend or family member refuses to accept help:

Suggest that you see a doctor for a general check-up. Your loved one may be more hesitant to attend a family doctor than a mental health expert. A routine doctor’s appointment is really a good alternative since the doctor can rule out medical causes of sadness. If your loved one is diagnosed with depression, the doctor can recommend them to a psychiatrist or psychologist. This “expert” view can sometimes make or break a situation.

Offer to assist the sad individual in locating a doctor or therapist and accompany them on their initial session. Finding the correct treatment provider may be tough and typically involves trial and error. It is a tremendous aid for a depressed individual who is already low on energy to have assistance making calls and researching choices.

Encourage your loved one to develop a detailed record of symptoms and conditions to bring to the doctor’s attention. You can also bring up observations you’ve made as an outside observer, such as “You appear to feel considerably worse in the mornings,” or “You often experience stomach aches before work.”

Aiding in the treatment of a loved one

Giving unconditional love and support throughout the therapy process is one of the most crucial things you can do to aid a friend or relative suffering from depression. This requires compassion and patience, which is not always easy when dealing with the negativity, aggression, and moodiness that accompany depression.

Provide whatever aid the individual requires (and is willing to accept). Assist your loved one in making and keeping appointments, researching treatment alternatives, and adhering to any treatment regimen provided.

Keep your expectations in check. It’s difficult to see a sad friend or family member struggle, especially when improvement is slow or stagnant. It is critical to be patient. Even with the best treatment, healing from depression takes time.

Set a good example. Encourage the individual to live a healthy, mood-boosting lifestyle by modeling it for them: maintain a good attitude, eat well, avoid alcohol and drugs, exercise, and seek support from others.

Encourage physical exercise. Invite your loved one to join you in happy activities such as watching a funny movie or eating at a favorite restaurant. Exercise is highly good, so urge your downtrodden loved one to get up and move. Going for a walk together is one of the easiest options. Don’t give up or stop asking if you’re patient and sympathetic.

Participate whenever possible. Small tasks may be incredibly difficult to do for someone suffering from depression. Offer to help with household responsibilities or housekeeping, but just do what you can without becoming fatigued!