Supporting Loved Ones with Severe Depression or Anxiety: Actions to Take and Avoid

Mental health challenges, such as severe depression or anxiety, can be incredibly debilitating. Offering support to a loved one who is struggling with these conditions is crucial, but ensuring that your approach is effective and compassionate is important. Here’s how you can best support them, along with specific actions to avoid.

What to Do: Actions That Support

One of the most important steps in supporting a loved one with severe depression or anxiety is to ensure they have access to professional help. Here are some specific actions you can take to provide support:

Be Present: Simply being there for them is one of the best forms of support. Offer to listen when they need to talk, and be patient and understanding. Encourage Professional Help: Suggest and assist in making an appointment with a counselor or therapist. Offer to go with them to their first visit to show support and encourage them. Show Appreciation: Acknowledge their presence and any accomplishments, no matter how small. This can be a powerful way to boost their morale. Initiate Supportive Conversations: If they have low energy, try to start conversations at a later time or agree with them and check in at a later time to ensure you remember. Always focus on them.

What to Avoid: Actions That Can Harm

When supporting a loved one with mental health issues, it’s critical to avoid certain actions that can exacerbate their condition. Here are some things to be cautious about:

Blaming Them: Never blame them for their illness. Statements like “you have nothing to be depressed about” or “just pick yourself up” only make them feel worse and are harmful. Avoid Unhelpful Comparisons: Avoid saying something along the lines of “why are you so depressed when X is going through a tough time?” This can make them feel isolated and misunderstood. Stay Away if You Are the Cause: If you or someone in your family have contributed to their depression, staying away and avoiding discussions about their condition is crucial. Don’t Gossip: If your family is prone to gossip and your loved one is struggling, stop the gossip. All it takes is a few actions to trigger a darker state of mind.

Additional Tips for Supporting Loved Ones

To better understand and support your loved one, you should also research depression and anxiety. Learn about the different types and levels of depression to recognize the severity of the situation. Here are a few tips to enhance your understanding and support:

Research: Educate yourself about depression and anxiety. Understand that there are various types of depression, from short-term sadness to a severe clinical condition requiring medical intervention. Be Mindful: Be loving, patient, supportive, and kind. Recognize their presence and achievements, and be available to listen when they need to talk. Offer Opportunities: Provide as many opportunities for them to talk with you whenever they are ready. Consistent support can make a significant difference. Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure how to proceed, seek assistance from a professional counselor to get guidance and support.

Supporting a loved one with severe depression or anxiety is a challenging but rewarding task. By taking the right actions and avoiding harmful ones, you can make a significant difference in their life.