age, sex, gender, religion, or anything else. We can all become victims of depression or know a friend or family member that struggles with it. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. That’s 5% of the world’s population. Additionally, the same report also states, 16 million people in the US had at least one depressive episode in the past year.
While these statistics are more than alarming, whats even more alarming is the lack of support that friends and family members battling depression receive during their darkest moments.
So what can we do to help? I’m here to give you some tips on how to be the best friend, spouse, or family member to a loved one battling depression or other mental health issues.
1.Pay Attention
Often times we notice subtle changes but ignore them for whatever reason. Be it denial or us thinking its nothing major can be problematic thinking for a loved one exhibiting symptoms of depression. Paying attention and being aware is the first step to being supportive or helpful to a person battling depression.
2.Don’t Be Dismissive
This one I’m guilty of myself. I’ve had friends who’ve struggled with depression and I’ve been the jerk to tell them to “man-up” or “get over it.” Depression isn’t something they can turn on and off. It’s a