When Should I Seek Help for a Loved One's Depression?

Depression is more than a transient feeling of melancholy and lack of energy. It is a serious and widespread diagnosis. Unfortunately, 7% of adults experience depression, and a concerning one-fifth of teens and people 65 and over live with the condition as well. 

If you notice that your spouse, child, or dear friend has been noticeably down for an extended period, it may be time to speak with them about their symptoms — there are many.

Our caring team at Clarity Psychiatric Care has abundant experience treating people living with depression in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We create highly customized treatment plans because the way you experience depression is unique. 

Fortunately, there’s help and hope for those living with depression.

Learn about the symptoms of depression

In addition to persistent feelings of despair and sadness, a person living with depression may also experience:

• Feelings of worthlessness
• Hopelessness
• A lack of interest in the things that once brought them joy
• Eating more or less than usual
• Fatigue and reduced energy
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Feeling overwhelmed when faced with making a decision
• Lack of focus
• Intense guilt
• Feeling they’re a burden
• Feeling suicidal or fixating on death

This breadth of symptoms shows how complex a mental health challenge depression is. When you live with a combination of these symptoms consistently for more than two weeks, and your daily functioning at work or school is affected, or your relationships are impacted, a formal diagnosis of depression can be made. 

There are several depression risk factors you should know of, especially if you’re concerned about someone you love. Ask these questions: 

1. Does depression run in your family? 
2. Does your loved one have low self-esteem? Do they get crippled by stress, or do they have a generally pessimistic outlook most of the time? 
3. Have they experienced a great deal of trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or poverty?

If the answer is “Yes,” they’re more likely to be affected by depression. The condition is also more prevalent in people who are biochemically different. For example, they may have atypical dopamine and serotonin levels, chemicals associated with short-term pleasure and well-being.

A person can become depressed at any point in life. A time when many women experience depression is after the birth of a baby. This is postpartum depression, and it can cause troubling symptoms, including negatively affecting how a new mom bonds with her newborn.

An important thing to remember is that if the person you’re concerned about voices any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you should call 911 immediately. The sooner they can get help, the better.

There’s relief if your loved one has depression

If someone you love has depression, encourage them to get treatment. The good news is that depression is highly treatable, and between 70% and 90% of people who are diagnosed with depression ultimately respond well when they get treated for it. 

We offer innovative treatments for depression, including:

1. Lifestyle changes

Our diet, the amount of daily physical activity we engage in, how much alcohol and drugs we consume, and more have a significant impact on depression symptoms. A lack of high-quality sleep is also detrimental if you have depression.

Simply, improving your health with lifestyle changes can allow you to cope better with your symptoms.

Meditation and deep breathing have also been shown to ease stress and improve sleep, which can help relieve depression. 

2. Prescription medication

We can prescribe prescription medication to relieve depression. There are many options to choose from. It may take trying several before you arrive at the one that’s most helpful to you.

3. Counseling

Speaking with a therapist should be combined with taking an antidepressant. Therapy allows you to analyze and discuss your thoughts and thought patterns. Sometimes, when you make shifts in your thinking with the help of a counselor, you’re better able to deal with depression symptoms. 

This might look like developing a toolbox to handle stress, examining your relationships, thinking about how you react to challenges, and learning how to gauge the severity of your depression and if it’s getting worse.

4. Pharmacogenomic testing

We use GeneSight testing to examine your DNA. It tells us how you might metabolize and react to medication. Again, everyone’s makeup is unique, so the more we can personalize your care, the higher the chance we have of successfully relieving your depression.

Help your loved one get treatment for depression by calling us at 856-428-1260. You may also book an appointment online.