The topic of mental health can be a difficult subject for many to broach. Nevertheless, it remains an important issue to face when you start to realize that your loved one is suffering from poor mental health. Just like diabetes or Alzheimer’s, depression is a common health condition that is treatable with the right support. Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but it is a condition that many find tricky to deal with. If you have a loved one that is facing depression, read on to learn more about what you can do to make a difference for them!
Identify Symptoms of Depression
Knowing the signs of depression is the first step toward providing support. Everyone can feel down from time to time, but clinical depression is a serious mental health condition that spans at least two weeks or more and requires treatment, as well as coordinated care.
Signs of depression include social withdrawals from friends, or losing interest in activities that your loved ones used to enjoy. It could also manifest in symptoms of irritability, insomnia, recurrent thoughts of death, or fatigue. If you notice such symptoms of depression from your loved one, it might be time to act.
Ways To Help
The first step toward helping your loved one is to show up for them. This may take the form of compassionate listening, or simply making your presence felt by being around them. When your loved one is facing depression, it can be hard for them to express appreciation for your presence. However, reminders that your loved one is appreciated and special to you can go a long way in making sure that they do not feel alone in their suffering.
You can also encourage your loved one to get treatment. Research has shown that depression seldom gets better without treatment, and potentially worsens over time. With depression, a lack of self-awareness about their own symptoms can hinder the pursuit of treatment. You might want to start sharing some general observations of their behavior with your loved one, talking about why you are concerned for them. You can also offer to accompany your loved one for a physical appointment with a doctor, supporting them through the search for treatment.
Senior Wellness at TerraBella Southport
Here at TerraBella Southport Senior Living, we have a retirement community that prioritizes the physical and mental care of you and your loved ones. With modern and spacious lodging, excellent facilities and amenities, as well as a range of health and wellness services right on site, you can be ensured that your well-being is well taken care of.
Providing that extra support in day-to-day living can be crucial in making the household tasks feel less overwhelming for your loved ones. Depending on your circumstances, senior assisted living in a warm and welcoming retirement community might provide that support.
To learn more about living in TerraBella Southport, contact us today or schedule a tour to see what we have to offer.
