With depression rates rising over the years, the information needed to help those we care about is more vital than ever. Depression can be incredibly isolating, leading those suffering down a lonely path. An important tool on their road to recovery is the support they get from family and friends. Fortunately, there are lots of ways we can help our loved ones who have depression.

How To Help People With Depression

Ketamine for Depression

Ketamine started as an anesthetic and painkiller, but research in the last two decades indicates it may be a powerful and fast-acting depression treatment. It is thought that ketamine binds to receptors in the brain that increase the amount of the glutamate neurotransmitter being released. This affects the parts of the brain responsible for thinking and emotional regulation.

To put it in simpler terms, ketamine triggers hormones in the brain that help to create feel-good emotions. This means ketamine can sometimes bring success within hours or days of treatment, although many people need to undergo several treatments to experience the highest level of benefits.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy – also known as talk therapy – is a treatment that can be helpful for mental health conditions like depression. These sessions involve consulting with a mental health professional who will take you through a series of questions to examine your symptoms and what causes them. Psychotherapy treatments may also include dialectical behavior therapy, exposure therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Support Them

The simplest method, but perhaps the most important. Depression makes a person feel like they have to face everything completely on their own as if they are completely isolated from their friends and family.

Sometimes what your loved one needs the most is to know that you are there for them and are willing to help them through this trying time.

Symptoms of Depression

• Feelings of sadness
• Irritability and mood swings
• Fatigue and a lack of energy
• Decreased in appetite, leading to weight loss
• Increase in appetite, leading to weight gain
• Lack of interest in hobbies or pleasurable activities
• Social isolation
• Changes in sleep patterns (either sleeping too little or too much)
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of low self-esteem
• Feelings of guilt
• Suicidal thoughts and actions

You have to experience some of these symptoms for at least two weeks for them to be considered signs of clinical depression. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you should reach out for medical help or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

What causes depression?

Depression, like any other mental health condition, can not be traced back to anyone cause of all people. It is actually the result of a complex mix of environmental and biological factors. These factors include things like overall temperament, life experiences, and past family history with depression or other mood disorders.

Other factors that can cause depression include the following:

• Family history
• Early childhood trauma
• Brain structure
• Medical history
• Substance abuse
• Stressful life events

Contact us today if you or a loved one are suffering from depression.