Helping someone going through a depressive
episode is difficult as a friend, spouse, parent, sibling or caregiver. As with
any other mental health concern, there are varying degrees, types, and depth to
a depressive episode. So prior to trying to intervene it is important to
understand the type of depressive traits or disorder that an individual is
experiencing.
Sometimes depression can be related to the
environment. There are the ‘winter blues’ or ‘seasonal depression’ that happen
as the days get shorter and the temperature gets colder.
Other times depression can be situational.
When someone loses a loved one or loses a career they go through the grieving
process, in which depressive symptoms are common. Other times the environment
may not be conducive, such as domestic violence, which can contribute to
depressed characteristics.
In some situations depression can be a
hormonal imbalance, such as post-partum depression. Typically in this situation
the onset is four weeks after the birth of a child. Depressive episodes may
also occur during puberty.
If there isn’t an environmental,
situational or hormonal link to the depression, the depression may be organic
and internal. It can also be medically tied to someone having a heart attack or
cancer.
It is important to note that an individual
can experience episodes of major depression without having a major depressive
disorder.
When it comes to helping someone with
depression the tactics vary depending on which category they fall in. Rushing
them to a doctor or psychiatrist for Selective Serotonin Uptake Inhibiters (SSRI’s),
such as Prozac or Zoloft, is not always beneficial because if the low mood is
correlated with the environment, they may not work. However if the depression
is organic, SSRI’s may be useful.
An individual in a depressive state may not
be talkative, so finding a way to communicate that they are comfortable in, is
useful; such as art, writing, texting and so on. Connecting with them on their
level helps build a relationship of support that can foster trust.
It is encouraged to not make major life
decisions during a depressive episode, such as leaving a job, moving or ending
a relationship. While this is logical in that the brain at this point in time
is not always capable of making long-term plans, plus judgements are clouded by
the mists of depression. There are times where it is illogical, such as if the depression
is tied to ongoing domestic abuse or an unhealthy work environment, leaving
those situations may improve mental health. So being a support and a voice of
reason if there needs to be a major life change is important.
Most of all, it is about the relationship. The
help provided will need to fit the individual’s abilities and circumstance. And
don’t expect each intervention to respond quickly to helping efforts.
