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Helping Someone
Who is Depressed
For families and friends
www.familyaware.org
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CONTENTS
What is depression? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
What are the signs of depression? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Why are family and friends important? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
W H AT I S D E P R E S S I O N ?
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Getting treatment
Regardless of the cause, a person should be treated for
depression. One half of people with depression do not seek
treatment because they dont understand their symptoms
or have fear of the stigma of mental illness. Yet of those
who do, 80% are treated effectively with medication,
psychotherapy, or both.
Early treatment is important because:
Untreated depression is long lasting. A depressive
episode, left untreated, can last six months or chronically
for years.
W H AT A R E T H E S I G N S O F D E P R E S S I O N ?
Signs of depression
If someone you care about has been experiencing several
of the symptoms below for more than two weeks, they
may be suffering from depression:
Feeling miserable and sad almost everyday
Losing interest or pleasure in most activities
Feeling anxious or irritable
Having trouble concentrating or remembering
Feeling tired
In addition to the symptoms of depression, those suffering from bipolar disorder may be exhibiting several of
the following manic symptoms:
Increased energy or decreased need for sleep
Excessive irritability, euphoria, or aggressive behavior
Increased talkativeness or pressured sleep
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Racing thoughts
Impulsive behavior and poor judgment, such as spending sprees, erratic driving, or sexual indiscretions
Inflated self-esteem
Increased goal-directed activities
Distractibility
Signs of suicide
If the person you care about has been preoccupied with
thoughts of death or suicide, call his or her clinician
today.
It is also very important to remove guns, or at the very
least lock guns in your home.
Warning signs include:
Talking about hopelessness and worthlessness
Suddenly being happier and calmer during a depressive
episode
Making unusual visits or calling people one cares about
Making arrangements or getting ones affairs in order
Giving things away
W H Y A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S
I M P O RTA N T ?
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H OW C A N I H E L P S O M E O N E
R E C E I V E T R E AT M E N T ?
What not to do
Helpful tips
Show you care. Depressed people feel isolated in their
pain and hopelessness. Tell your depressed family member or friend how much you and others care about the
person, want the person to feel well, and are willing to
help. Listen and empathize with the persons pain.
Acknowledge the relationship impact. In a caring way,
let the person know that depression affects you and
others in the family. Your relationship, including
intimacy, household responsibilities, and finances,
are all adversely affected when someone is depressed.
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LACK OF INSIGHT
50% of bipolar patients have a lack of insight,
meaning that they do not realize they are ill.
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W H AT R E S O U RC E S A R E AVA I L A B L E ?
Medical professionals
To receive coverage under many health insurance plans,
your depressed family member or friend may need to see
his or her primary care physician first, who may refer to
a mental health specialist: psychiatrist, psychologist, social
worker, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or psychopharmacologist. Check the health plans coverage guidelines.
Sources of medical referrals include the following:
Your state department of mental health or human
services.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy,
www.aamft.org, 703-838-9808
American Medical Association,
www.ama-assn.org, Doctor Finder
American Psychological Association,
www.apa.org, 1-800-964-2000
National Association of Social Workers,
www.socialworkers.org, 202-408-8600
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN),
www.mentalhealth.org, 1-800-789-2647.
More medical help is listed under Resources, Medical
Help at www.familyaware.org.
Help In Crisis
National Hopeline Network
800-422-4673 or 800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
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Medical emergencies
If your family member or friend is suicidal, contact your
clinician immediately, go to your local emergency room,
or call 800-SUICIDE or 911.
Support groups
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance,
www.dbsalliance.org, 800-826-3632
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill,
www.nami.org, 800-950-NAMI
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
www.bpkids.org 847-256-8525
Other resources
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,
www.aacap.org, 202-966-7300
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,
www.afsp.org, 888-333-AFSP
American Psychiatric Association,
www.psych.org, 888-357-7924
American Psychiatric Nurses Association,
www.apna.org, 703-243-2443
National Institute of Mental Health,
www.nimh.nih.gov, 800-421-4211
National Mental Health Association,
www.nmha.org, 800-969-6642
Screening for Mental Health,
www.mentalhealthscreening.org, 781-239-0071
H OW C A N I H E L P
M A N A G E T R E AT M E N T ?
12
13
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A good way to partner in treatment and provide emotional support is to go to appointments periodically with
the depressed person. You can keep track of the clinicians
recommendations, discuss changes in symptoms, and
review the treatment plan.
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15
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WHY ME?
Common family caregiver emotions
I feel
Overwhelmed
Cheated
Guilty
Tired
Afraid
Embarrassed
Fearful
Helpless
Trapped
Angry
Frustrated
Sad
Anxious
Lonely
Responsible
Like Im walking on
eggshells
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depressive disorders.
Families for Depression Awareness is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization helping families and friends recognize
and cope with depressive disorders. The organization
provides education, outreach, and advocacy to support
families. Families for Depression Awareness is made up
of families who have lost a family member to suicide or
have watched a loved one suffer with depression, with
little knowledge about how to help.
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CONTRIBUTION FORM
H OW C A N I C O N T R I B U T E ?
OTHER:
NAME:
TITLE:
O R G A N I Z AT I O N :
ADDRESS:
C I T Y:
Gift of giving
Make a donation as a gift for friends and family. We send
them a note card, informing them that a gift has been
made in their name.
S TAT E :
C O U N T R Y:
ZIP:
EMAIL:
PHONE:
Check
FA X :
Money Order
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NAME
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S I G N AT U R E (required)
or email info@familyaware.org
VISA
MasterCard
C R E D I T C A R D A C C O U N T:
Memorial Donation
Honorary Donation
RECIPIENT S NAME:
ADDRESS:
C I T Y:
S TAT E :
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Thank you!
Distance:
1.17 in
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Distance:
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