How Do People Respond to Someone Who's Depressed?

Sometimes friends or family members can recognize that a person is depressed. They may respond with love, kindness, or support, hoping that the sadness will soon pass. They may offer to listen if the person wants to talk - although depressed people often don't feel much like talking or can't find the words to describe what's wrong. If the depressed feeling doesn't pass with a little time, friends or loved ones may encourage the person to get help from a doctor or mental health professional.

But not everyone recognizes depression when it happens to someone they know. And some people have incorrect ideas about what it means to be depressed. People who don't understand may react to the depressed person's low energy with criticism, scolding them for acting lazy or not trying. Some people mistakenly believe that depression is simply an attitude a person can change or a mood they can shake. It's not that easy.

Many people just don't realize that depression can cause so many problems or so much pain. Sometimes even people who are depressed don't take their condition seriously enough. Some people have the mistaken belief that depression comes from weakness or is a character flaw. This myth causes some people to hide their depression. Feeling embarrassed, they may avoid getting help.

Occasionally, when depression causes physical symptoms, a person may see their doctor and be relieved to have a normal physical exam. Once in a while, even a well-meaning doctor may minimize or even overlook a person's depression by concluding that there's nothing wrong when medical tests come back normal.

How Do People Respond to Someone Who's Depressed?