Some people who suffer from depression actively seek help. Some people are too depressed to do so. Others might be embarrassed and reluctant to seek help. Sometimes people don't recognize they are depressed. In all these cases, a friend or relative can step in and offer a helping hand.
Step 1
Talk to him about his situation. Help him understand there's nothing shameful about being depressed. Emphasize that you're there for him, but that you can't help him entirely on your own. Give examples from your own life or from mutual acquaintances of people who were depressed and got better with help.
Step 2
Make an appointment together with her with her family physician. Ensure she gets a good physical exam to rule out any underlying medical cause for depression. You certainly don't have to go into the exam room with her, but be available to do so if all parties request this. Mention to the physician that you feel she's depressed. The doctor won't be able to discuss her condition with you, but this information can help him in his assessment.
Step 3
Find a good psychiatrist. His family doctor will often recommend someone. If not, look together at various resources. Consider local mental health clinics, university clinics where trainees treat people for low fees, or psychiatrists in private practice. Help him make the appointment. If he's reluctant, insist that this is necessary. Assure him that if he doesn't like the first psychiatrist, you'll help him look for someone else.
Step 4
Ensure she is in therapy. Some psychiatrists do therapy, some refer to other therapists. Explain to your friend the importance of talking things over. Emphasize that many people are in therapy and find relief from sharing with someone. Explain that though you're there for her, a therapist can help her in ways you can't. Help her figure out the financial arrangements. If therapy isn't covered by her insurance and there's no low cost option available, offer to help pay for it, if you have the financial means to do so. Emphasize that you really want her to get better, and once she feels better, she will pay for therapy herself.
Step 5
Take your friend to the first appointment. It can be hard to do anything when you're depressed, including getting to your therapist. If your friend is suicidal, take him to the emergency room. Sit with him until he is seen. Often, an emergency room will give a referral to treatment. Sometimes hospitalization may be required. If this is the case, assure your friend that you will take care of his place and any pets until he gets back home. Visit him in the hospital, and take him home when he's discharged. By giving him a helping hand through tough times, you'll help him feel better about himself, and this will help him cope with his depression.
References
- PsychologyToday.com: The Continuing Stigma of Depression; Jonathan Rottenberg; Nov 2009
- "Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry"; Virginia Sadock and Pedro Ruiz; 2009
