This week…made me all the more determined to get people to talk, she says.
I am a huge Anthony Bourdain fan, and the news of his suicide genuinely broke my heart.
Stafford says she dealt with crippling depression for 30 years after she lost her father to suicide.
Heather Hazzan
Shes glad that people have responded to the hashtag on social media.
Depression is such a lonely disease.
Any way that veil of isolation gets removed, it makes me happy, she says.
Commiseration is such a powerful tool for showing people they arent alone.
But people who have depression may experience constant negative thoughts that are hard to argue with.
If you hear a friend engage in negative self-talk, he recommends trying to help them reframe it.
It can take years for many people who have with depression to seek help, she points out.
So letting them know that your door is open for whenever they feel comfortable talking can be crucial.
The inability totake care of basic needsis a sign of severe depression, Dr. Galynker says.
At that point, they need help urgently, he says.
When someone is that depressed, they can feel overwhelmed.
Even the task of finding a therapist is hard, Wittenborn says.
Some people believe that depression is optional and its only weak people who get depressed, Dr. Galynker says.
But its very much an illness.
Definitely dont tell someone that you miss the “old version” of them.
Its a damaging thing to say, Yeager says.
or, Whats happening in your world that we can work together to change?
These all let your friend know that youre with them and youre ready to help them find a solution.
Humor can be an effective coping mechanism, Dr. Galynker says.
Theres no such thing as ‘toughing it out, Yeager says.
That whole mentality leads to poor outcomes in the long run.
Keep them engaged in ways that it’s possible for you to, he says.
Overall, experts stress that depression is treatable and can be managed if someone can get help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, dont be afraid to reach out for help.
