It can be difficult to watch someone you care about suffer from depression. Understanding the disease and its symptoms can allow you to provide a stronger support system for your loved one.

If someone you care about is suffering from depression, the symptoms may seem confusing or difficult for you to deal with. But there are some things you can do that may have a positive influence on your loved one's treatment plan, like offering support, helping them to understand their treatment options and encouraging them to seek help. And, in spite of the challenges you may feel, having a caring friend or family member can be very helpful for someone suffering from depression.

When trying to connect with someone who is suffering from depression, it’s important to understand that it’s a serious condition that, like any other, requires a proper treatment plan to help manage symptoms. It may be helpful to do some research to learn as much as you can about depression. Here are some resources to get started.

Helping to recognize symptoms of depression

If your friend or family member has been dealing with depression for some time, and is currently on an antidepressant, one of the biggest ways you can offer support is to help them recognize the common symptoms of depression.* (See below).

     
  • Constant sadness
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities
  • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability, restlessness, or being slowed down
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Significant weight change
  • Thoughts about suicide or dying

* A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, commonly referred to as depression, requires having a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities a person used to enjoy. In addition, 4 of the symptoms listed above must also be present nearly every day for at least 2 weeks and troublesome enough to interfere with daily functioning.

If your friend or family member has been taking an antidepressant for at least 6 weeks and is still experiencing depressive symptoms, encourage them to talk to their doctor about the option of adding ABILIFY® (aripiprazole).

For a more thorough assessment, check out our Depressive Symptom Questionnaire.