How to Help Someone in a Depressive Episode

So What is This Place?

I set out to create a resource for those who were looking to support people in their lives who have depression or are suffering from a depressive episode.

In the first video, I used some statistics and a few medical definitions to explain what depression was and why it was an important topic. Then I went into my own personal experiences and known methods of helping others. I also gathered some testimonials from my few of my peers and read/played them on the video. Honestly, despite how simple that sounds, it was actually a really involved process, I spent five hours just editing the first video.

The second video is my favorite and it’s also just way more fun. Seeing as how I have bipolar depression my fiancé more often than not is the person who supports and helps me when I’m having an especially hard time. In his video he went through the ways he helps me and also gives a view into what it’s like to be on the outside.

Also, there was this really fun bit at the end of the second video.

Resources and Articles

SAMHSA

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

These articles are good resources for helping someone with depression.

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/helping-someone-with-depression.htm\

http://repository.phb.ac.id/886/1/Supporting-Someone-With-Depression_10518.pdf

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-help-a-depressed-friend#take-care-of-yourself

These articles explain depression and give other useful information.

https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/major-depression/what-is-a-major-depressive-episode/

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-by-the-Numbers/Infographics-Fact-Sheets

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

Suicide prevention links and information

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/in-depth/suicide/art-20044707

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline