My client seems depressed – how can I help?

Depression is a disorder that affects millions of people, so eventually you may arrive at a client who suffers from this. Both young and old people can be affected, causing pain to the sufferer and affecting the lives of all who encounter it.

Reasons may vary from person to person, although in older people it may be due to the recent loss of a life-long partner and friends.

So, how can you help?

It is important that you learn about the condition, so it is well worth reading up on it. Find out all you can about the symptoms and how you can understand what your client is going through.

Be concerned if you see signs such as:

• Not caring about anything anymore. This may include a lack of interest in hobbies which were pleasurable before. Withdrawing from a circle of friends and family is a sign of depression.
• Negative or bleak outlook on life. If your client is uncharacteristically sad, critical or moody while talking about feeling hopeless or helpless, this may be a sign.
• Sleeps much more or less than what is normal. More indecisive or more forgetful than usual may be a sign of depression.
• Eats far more or less than you would expect. Accompanied by weight gain or loss may be a sign of depression.
• Frequent pains such as stomach and headaches may be a symptom.

Some things to avoid saying:

• Look on the bright side.
• Everyone goes through this, not just you.
• It’s all in your head.
• Snap out of it.
• What’s wrong with you?

What to do?

Suggest a check-up with the GP. This will rule out things such as a UTI. It will give the doctor the opportunity to address the situation for himself. Sometimes having a professional person address the issue is better for your client.

Encourage your client to make a list of what makes them sad. You can even have a few trigger sentences for bring up for the doctor, such as ‘you always seem sad on Sundays’, or ‘you seem happier early in the day’. This will be helpful for the doctor in deciding how to treat your client.

If your client is referred to a specialist, you should try to go with them for the first appointment. Remember that this is a big issue for them, and support is a good idea. Take a notebook and write down important things in case you forget.

Remember that depression and suicide often go together. Suicide becomes a very real problem when a person is depressed.

Warning signs include:

• Talking about dying or harming themselves.
• A preoccupation with death.
• Talking about helplessness and hopelessness.
• Getting affairs in order. Calling people to say goodbye.
• Stockpiling pills or lethal substances.

To sum up

Many people with depression consider suicide. If you think your client may be thinking about this, then you need to talk to their family (who may be unaware) and with the doctor. It may help to talk to your client about their feelings. Sometimes just listening will help them to feel better. If you are concerned about suicide them, you should seek professional help for your client right away.

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