Take action if you think a friend or family member is suffering from depression. It’s a condition that can cloud thinking and make people believe they aren’t worth helping, so they often can’t help themselves.

Every year, millions of Americans suffer from depression — and this lingering feeling of intense sadness can keep people from going to work or school or caring for their children. Yet nearly two-thirds of people with depression don’t seek treatment. Many people believe that they’ll get over it by themselves, but depression is a condition that usually requires psychotherapy and/or antidepressant medication to treat.

What Should I Look For?
If someone you know has at least five of the following symptoms of depression for more than two weeks, take steps to help the person:

• Persistent sadness or irritability
• Being unable to concentrate
• Withdrawal — a loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss or gain
• Slowed speech and slowed movements
• Intense feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness
• Loss of energy or feelings of tiredness

In extreme cases, those suffering from depression may talk about ending their life, hurting themselves or others, or giving away their possessions.

How Can I Help?
If you know someone who is showing nonsuicidal signs of depression, ask the person, “Is there something wrong?” If your friend or loved one says nothing’s wrong, you might say, “Are you sure?” Then get specific. You might say, “I’ve noticed you’re not yourself at work lately. You seem depressed. I’m concerned, and I want to help.”

If the person is open to what you say, encourage him or her to see a family doctor for help. You might also offer to go with the person.

To help someone who may be suicidal, tell the person, “You seem depressed, and you’re talking about ending your life. I think it’s time to get help.” Treat the situation as a medical emergency, especially if the person has made a previous attempt at suicide or there is a family history of suicide. Call 911.

Where Can I Learn More?
Browse our online health encyclopedia for more articles on helping someone with depression. Go to www.paramounthealthcare.com, click on “Better Health for Life,” the letter “D” in the alphabet at the top, then “Depression.”