Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697630421937.pdf (Antigua and Barbuda)
Living with someone with depression?

To see how you can help them, while also To see how you can help them, while also taking care of yourself, read on… taking care of yourself, read on… What you should know What you should know • Depression can happen to anyone and is not a sign of weakness.

• It’s an illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by difficulty carrying out daily activities.
• People with depression also normally experience several of the following: loss of energy; change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

• Depression can be treated.

Finding the best course of treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

• The support of friends and family helps people recover from depression.
What you can do What you can do • Make it clear that you want to help, listen without judgement, and offer support.

• Find out more about depression – talking to someone you know who has recovered or a local health worker are good places to start.

• Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to go with them to appointments.

• If they’re prescribed medication, help them remember to take it.

• Be patient – recovery can take time.


• Help them with everyday tasks and to have regular eating and sleeping patterns.

• Encourage regular exercise and social activities.

• But be mindful that trying to do too much can be stressful and make depression worse.

• Encourage them to focus on the positive, rather than the negative.

• If they’re thinking about self-harm, or have already intentionally harmed themselves, don’t leave them alone.
Seek help from the emergency services or a health-care professional.

And remove items such as medicines, sharp objects and firearms.

• Take care of yourself too.

Try to find ways to relax and continue doing things you enjoy.

REMEMBER: When you live with someone with depression, you can help them recover, but it’s important to look after yourself too.