Depression is a mental health illness that significantly affects a person’s mood to the point that many of the daily life tasks they used to enjoy or engage in seem troubling and possibly overwhelming. According to HelpGuide.org, it can be hard for some people to admit they have depression; many times even if they accept that depression is to blame for the way they feel they believe that there is no one who can help them. Treatment for depression is effective and sometimes it takes external motivation from those who care to get a family member into treatment.
Step 1
Tell your family member about the symptoms of depression. These include lack of energy, hopelessness, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, inability to find pleasure in activities he previously enjoyed, inability to concentrate, and thoughts of death or suicide, reports the Mayo Clinic. Make your family member aware that he is displaying these symptoms, but do so gently.
Step 2
Increase your persistence. Lack of motivation to do anything is a symptom of depression. Therefore, a family member with depression is going to have a difficult time willing herself into treatment due to the hold depression has on her state of mind. Ask her often. Do not give up because she says she does not want treatment.
Step 3
Consult with a doctor about the depressed person. Explain the symptoms your family member is experiencing. Help the doctor to understand the severity of the symptoms and how he refuses to get help for himself. Suggest that your family member go into his doctor for a regular checkup. According to HelpGuide.org, some people experience less anxiety about seeing their regular doctor rather than a mental health profession and a doctor is able to make sure the depression is not being caused by a medical illness. Also, a doctor’s professional recommendation for the person to begin treatment might be enough to get him to start going and the doctor can begin your family member on medication, which may help reduce her symptoms.
Step 4
Offer to go to treatment with her. A family member with depression may be apprehensive about attending therapy by herself because of the stigma associated with therapy. Therefore, it might help persuade her to go, initially, if someone she cares about is there with her to offer support.
Step 5
Take him to treatment. Find a therapist who specializes in successfully treating depression. Schedule the initial appointment. Talk with the therapist about your family member's resistance to treatment and that you are bringing him to the appointment, which you scheduled. Begin getting your family member ready for the appointment long before it is scheduled to begin. It may take him a long time to get motivated and get ready due to a lack of energy and willingness. Physically take him to the therapy appointment. Agree to take him to the next couple of appointments. Make sure you ask the therapist when the next appointments are scheduled.
