How to help a person with depression

What is depression?

According to Mind, a leading mental health charity, depression is: “a low mood that lasts for a long time and affects your everyday life. In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits. It doesn’t stop you from leading your normal life but makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, depression can be life-threatening because it can make you feel suicidal.” Depression can be mild, moderate or severe and people can move between these during one episode or more.

There are some specific types of depression too, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which occurs at a particular time of year, or during a particular season and Dysthymia, a continuous mild depression that lasts for two years or more. These types and various severities can mean different symptoms are experienced by each person. The important thing to remember is that depression is different for each unique person who has it. There is no fixed set of symptoms that a person will always have.

What causes depression?

There are several notions in regard to the causes of depression. It can happen without any obvious reasons behind it, or it can come after a significantly distressing life event or experience. Some studies suggest depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. There is also evidence to suggest that if someone has a close family member who has experienced depression, they may be more susceptible. However, there is no confirmed cause of depression. Ultimately, the human brain is very complicated.

What are the common signs and symptoms of depression?

Even though depression is different for each person, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for. Someone experiencing depression may appear or feel:

• Down or overly emotional and tearful
• Restless, agitated or irritable
• Guilty and down on themselves
• Empty and numb
• Isolated, unable to relate to other people
• Hopeless
• Suicidal

You may also start to see a change in their behaviours as a result of these emotions and feelings. Finding no pleasure in life or things they usually enjoy, and a lack of confidence are both common. They may also:

• Have difficulty sleeping or sleep too much
• Lose their appetite
• Have difficulty making decisions
• Experience physical pain with no obvious cause

Depression can often isolate people as they struggle to deal with what they are experiencing. They may also find it hard to explain how they feel to loved ones, especially if their behaviour has changed dramatically.

How can depression affect the elderly?

Depression can affect someone at any age. However, the elderly can be susceptible because as we age, we experience more losses, we can lose mobility and independence or fall ill more often. Grief and loss can lead to depression, as can a decline in health. Elderly people also might need to take more medications, which can have unwanted side effects. This can lead to a sense of helplessness. It is important to look for the signs and symptoms in our elderly loved ones.

How can I help someone experiencing depression?

Helping someone with depression can seem difficult at the outset. This is because it can often occur without any obvious cause. However, offering support and being aware of changes in a loved one’s behaviour can help them to get better or manage symptoms far quicker than on their own. Simple ways you can support a person with depression include:

• Taking them to see their GP for a diagnosis, treatment, and advice
• Being open and speaking about the problems they are facing
• Keeping in touch regularly – even if to let them know you are thinking of them
• Helping them with day to day tasks, especially if mobility is an issue for them
• Keeping them connected to friends and family
• Doing things with them that they enjoy

Loneliness and isolation are big concerns for people with depression. The Guardian reported that the number of people living alone increased by 16% between 1997 and 2017, to 7.7 million and that by the year 2039 nearly one in seven Britons could be living on their own. Of course, living alone does not automatically lead to depression. However, isolation and loneliness could increase as well as financial pressures, which can make life more difficult. Being available to someone who is feeling lonely or depressed is a significant step. If they feel they can trust and talk to you, and that you are willing to spend time with them, it can help them to feel more connected to people. There are mental health charities and groups available to help people experiencing depression. These include:

• Samaritans – available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They can be contacted on 116 123 for free.
• Mind
• Where’s Your Head At?
• Time to Change
• The Mix – aimed at helping the under 25s
• Childline

Cavendish Homecare’s Mental Health services are here to help too. Our passion and experience for delivering the best service possible are evident in all we do, and we understand the bravery it takes to seek help for a mental health issue. If you have questions about what we offer, please get in touch.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

With over 30 years of experience in the NHS and private healthcare sectors, our family-owned agency has the compassion, the knowledge and the staff to provide superior private live-in care services, paediatric care, cancer care and many more services.

At Cavendish Homecare, we are experts in providing mental health homecare for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and well-being, choosing the right homecare package is of utmost importance and navigating this process can be overwhelming. With Cavendish Homecare by your side, you’ll have the support you need to remain safely at home while enjoying elevated health and wellbeing.

If you would like to enquire about our mental health care, contact us on, 02030085210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.