How to help someone with depression
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Effective Strategies to Help Someone with Depression
Internet-Based Self-Help Programs
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Online
Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promising results in reducing depressive symptoms. A study comparing internet-administered CBT with minimal therapist contact to participation in a web-based discussion group found that the former led to greater reductions in depressive symptoms. These improvements were largely maintained at a six-month follow-up, suggesting that internet-delivered CBT can be an effective complement or alternative for treating mild-to-moderate depression1.
Self-Help Interventions
Positive Goal-Focused Interventions
Self-help interventions that focus on well-being and positive goal-setting can also be beneficial. The Goal-setting and Planning (GAP) intervention has been shown to significantly decrease negative affect and depressive symptoms while increasing positive affect and life satisfaction. These benefits were observed both immediately after the intervention and at a five-week follow-up, indicating that such interventions can effectively enhance well-being and reduce depression2.
Bibliotherapy
Self-help books, particularly those based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be useful for some individuals. A meta-analysis of trials evaluating the book "Feeling Good" found a significant treatment effect compared to delayed treatment. However, the effectiveness of self-help books can vary, and additional guidance may enhance their benefits9.
Professional and Combined Treatments
Medication and Psychotherapy
Antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat depression, but they do not necessarily reduce the risk of recurrence once their use is terminated. Combining medication with psychotherapy, such as interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can offer quick relief and long-term benefits. These combined treatments can improve social relationships, reduce acute distress, and lower the risk of relapse3.
Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT)
For severe and resistant cases of depression, electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) can be highly effective. However, it is generally considered a last resort due to potential side effects on memory and cognition3.
Social Support and Lifestyle Changes
Seeking Help from Family and Friends
Social support from family and friends can provide emotional, informational, and instrumental support, which can be crucial for individuals with depression. However, it is important to be aware of potential disadvantages, such as stigma and inappropriate support, which can negatively impact the individual and their relationships6.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and light exposure, can also aid in managing depression. However, simply providing written recommendations may not be sufficient; ongoing support and supervision are often necessary to ensure these changes are effectively implemented7.
First Aid for Depression
Recognizing and Acknowledging Depression
Recognizing the signs of depression and acknowledging the individual's feelings are crucial first steps. Approaching the person with empathy and offering support can make a significant difference4.
Encouraging Professional Help and Self-Help Strategies
Encouraging the individual to seek professional help and use self-help strategies, such as joining support groups or engaging in positive activities, can be beneficial. It is also important to respect their decision if they are not ready to seek help immediately4.
Conclusion
Helping someone with depression involves a multifaceted approach that includes internet-based self-help programs, positive goal-focused interventions, professional treatments, social support, and lifestyle changes. Combining these strategies can provide comprehensive support and improve outcomes for individuals struggling with depression.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Internet-based self-help for depression: randomised controlled trial
Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy with minimal therapist contact combined with participation in a discussion group significantly reduces depressive symptoms compared to discussion group only.
RCT
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedA self-help, positive goal-focused intervention to increase well-being in people with depression.
Goal-setting and Planning (GAP) is a useful self-help intervention for people with depression, increasing well-being and reducing depressive symptoms.
RCTTreatment and Prevention of Depression
Interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy effectively treat depression and prevent relapse, with combined treatment showing promise in bipolar disorder patients.
Highly CitedFirst aid for depression: a Delphi consensus study with consumers, carers and clinicians.
This study identified 64 essential or important first aid recommendations for individuals developing depression, which can improve first aid provision and facilitate appropriate professional help.
Observational StudyHighly CitedWhat to do about depression? Self-help recommendations of the public
Confiding in a close friend or family, interpersonal actions, psychological methods, lifestyle changes, and eating healthy food are commonly recommended for depression.
Observational StudySeeking help for depression from family and friends: A qualitative analysis of perceived advantages and disadvantages
Seeking help from family and friends for depression offers positive advantages, but some family members may provide unhelpful or toxic support, highlighting the need for community education and destigmatisation programs.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedLifestyle change recommendations in major depression: Do they work?
Lifestyle change recommendations may work or not work on depression depending on how they are presented and monitored, with potential benefits depending on patient support and supervision.
RCTRigorous JournalSelf-help books for depression: how can practitioners and patients make the right choice?
Self-help books for depression have little evidence of effectiveness, but cognitive behavioral therapy-based bibliotherapy may be useful for some people.
Meta-AnalysisHighly Cited