Do you know anyone that may be feeling depressed and that you wish you could help?
I did so I asked Kirsten from ObtainingBliss to answer a few questions for me…
Still today, I can think of someone around me that may be depressed. And I would love to be able to help this person.
Have you ever felt this way?
The first question that I used to ask myself is: what are the symptoms of someone who is depressed?
And then, how can I help someone that is suffering from depression?
I wanted to find answers to these questions, so I asked Kirsten Weinzierl.
I discovered her and her website a few months ago. She blogs over at ObtainingBliss.com and she wrote there that “My purpose is to help others who have or who are struggling with depression, and or anxiety find their bliss”.
She’s definitely the one that can help us today!
Listen to what she has to say:
Dealing with Depression: How to Help Others
Kirsten Weinzierl from ObtainingBliss.com :
I know that personally as some who have had major depression, it’s not like you want to shout to the world that something is wrong you.
It can be very hard for someone with depression to even realize they need help. In fact, many people with depression try to hide it.
They often don’t even know what is wrong themselves, so it’s not usually on purpose. And if they have anxiety on top of that, then they really don’t want to “put someone else out” by asking for help.
If you feel like someone you care about may need some help in this area there are some signs and symptoms of depression you can look for if you’re worried they might be in trouble.
Signs and symptoms of depression you can look for
They Are Tired All the Time
If you have a friend or family member who plans to do things with you and then cancels a lot because they are tired (or they make other excuses), and this is going on for a long period of time, you might want to suspect depression.
Having depression is not just emotionally draining, it’s physically draining.
It makes a person tired more than they should be and it can be difficult to recognize this symptom as being linked to depression.
Irritability
Someone who hasn’t normally been an angry person who turns angry and irritable may be suffering from depression.
It’s easy to get angry back at this person but take a minute to think.
Are they usually like this? Is this normal for them? Don’t be afraid to ask them what’s up and try to dig a little deeper into what’s really going on.
Overly Emotional
Many people who experience depression are being overly emotional over everything that is happening.
They are easily brought to anger, sadness, crying, and overreaction to anything that is going on. But whatever you do, don’t you dare tell them they are overreacting.
Again, it’s better here to just be patient with them. Ask questions and don’t be accusatory. Be kind and gentle with them. There’s a reason they are emotional, they are feeling every emotion or none of them at all.
They Complain about Sleeping Issues
If you know someone who is suffering from insomnia, or who is always sleeping and avoiding everything, pay attention to how long it lasts as they may be suffering from depression.
They Are Gaining a Lot of Weight Fast
Many people who are dealing with depression either can’t eat and lose weight or they self-medicate with food and gain a lot of weight.
If you know anyone who has gained or lost a substantial amount of weight quickly, you may want to inquire further as to what is going on if you’re close enough to them.
They’re Abusing Drugs or Alcohol
A lot of depressed people self-medicate so if you have any loved ones who are doing this, investigate and talk to them. Offer your support and help.
They Don’t Want Sex
This is something to watch in your spouse. If your spouse, who normally liked a healthy sex life suddenly doesn’t want sex anymore, then there is a huge possibility that they’re feeling worthless and depressed.
They Are in Pain Physically
While many times the physical pain is an actual physical illness, depression can manifest physically too.
Depression can also cause a weakened immune system. So if they seem to be sick a lot more frequently and have several of the symptoms listed here, it could be depression.
They May Be Self-Harming
This could manifest in drinking, drug use, and eating too much. But it can also be things like cutting, other forms of self-harm and a fascination with, as well as, talking a lot about death.
What do you need help with?
(Choose between the 2 options)
How You Can Help Someone With Depression
When you recognize the above symptoms in people you know, don’t diagnose them.
Don’t immediately go up to them and say, “I think you have depression, because you exhibit symptom A, B and C.” Nope, that’s not going to go over very well at all.
Instead, offer support. Tell them how important they are to you and that you care for them.
Let them know you are there for them. Invite them to dinner or out for coffee. Take them to a movie.
If they do open up to you, ask questions like:
• How long have you felt like this?
• How do you think you can get better?
• Do you have a professional you can speak with?
• I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Is there anything more that I can do to help?
Encourage them to seek professional help. There are a lot of resources out there, educate yourself about depression so that you can help more.
Conclusion
After going through this list, you should be able to recognize symptoms of depression in a loved one.
Don’t be afraid to take the initiative and reach out to them.
Dealing with depression is very difficult and a very isolating experience. Reaching out to them for support will alleviate that feeling of being alone.
Do you know someone you can reach out to right now? It just may save a life.
Who is she?
About the author:
Kirsten Weinzierl blogs over at ObtainingBliss.com. She loves and truly believes in the power of personal development, self-care and self-reflection. She writes with humor and discusses topics like relationships, parenthood, body happiness and her love of food. However, she also writes about tough topics like depression, anxiety, suicide, and domestic violence.
Kirsten is also a Bliss Coach providing practical life coaching to women who have suffered from depression and anxiety, helping them get over the trauma of mental illness and live a life full of the happiness they deserve.
You can check out her blog at: ObtainingBliss.com
Kirsten also has the following posts on Mental Health…
How to Fight Depression Using Self Care Ideas
Best ways to reduce holiday anxiety
You can also connect with her on the following Social Media platforms:
Thank you, Kirsten!
I wanted to thank Kirsten for taking the time to answer my questions, together, we can help others (and maybe ourselves) dealing with depression. There is always a way out… I truly believe it!!
Depression, 11 Reasons Why And How To Beat Each One
My good friend Julian Goldie from RelaxLikeABoss.com wrote a GREAT article called Depression Sucks: Here’s 11 Reasons Why And How To Beat Each One.
Honestly, I really liked finally some PRACTICAL advice!
The one that really talked to me was number 7. Guilt And Shame and what to do about those feelings?
I remember that I felt kind of guilty for feeling depressed… And Julian really helped me with that feeling! 🙂
You definitely need to check it out!! 🙂
