3 Ways to Ask For Help When Depressed

When it comes to depression, you don’t have to do this alone. We’ve all been there – feeling completely overwhelmed and not knowing how to ask for help. Maybe you think that no one will understand or take your struggles seriously. But the truth is, there are so many people out there who can provide a listening ear and offer support when things seem hopeless. Here, we’ll explore ways of reaching out for help when you need it most. You'll learn about the benefits of talking openly with someone (or even a professional), how common depression actually is, how to set the stage for a productive conversation, and how to actually ask for help. Despite an internal battle that suggests otherwise, everyone deserves love and care – especially in times of need. 

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It goes beyond just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and a general lack of energy or motivation. It can impact all aspects of a person's life, including their relationships, work, and overall well-being.

How common is depression?

It's important to understand that depression is not a sign of weakness or something that can be easily overcome on one's own. In fact, it is one of the most common mental health conditions in the country. According to the CDC, in 2020 nearly 19% of U.S. adults reported experiencing symptoms of depression — that’s almost 60 million people. Depression is not something that one just needs to "get over." It's a serious condition that requires proper diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support. With the right care and support, people with depression can recover and start living their lives to the fullest again.
 

When addressing depression, reaching out for support and assistance is crucial. Here are three ways you can ask for help when feeling depressed.

‍3 Ways to Ask for Help When Depressed

1. Get clear on what you need help with

Before reaching out to a friend, family member, or health care professional, take some time to identify what kind of help you need. Are you looking for someone to talk to? Maybe you just need someone to listen and lend an understanding ear. Perhaps you'd like them to provide some tangible advice or suggest possible solutions. Knowing what exactly it is that you are asking for can help set the stage for a more productive conversation. But know that it’s also okay if you’re not exactly sure what’s got you feeling down. You can still talk to a trusted friend or professional to help you sort out wha’s troubling you.

‍2. Seek support from your community or trusted loved ones

When depressed, it can be difficult to reach out for help. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that there is always someone ready to support you. Reach out to your trusted family members or close friends who can lend an ear when you tell them that you need help with your mental health. And remember, just because you feel lonely does not mean you’re alone — in fact, loneliness is a major contributing factor to mental health issues — consider getting involved in your community and expanding your social circle to combat it.

‍3. Seek professional help when needed

If you need extra support, you can always seek professional help from a therapist, and when appropriate, a psychiatrist. Professionals can provide tools and resources to help you cope with your depression with different forms of psychotherapy, and sometimes medication, when necessary. They are trained to identify issues related to mental health so they can guide you safely on the path to recovery. With SonderMind, finding a therapist or doctor who is right for you is simple — simply fill out this short form telling us a bit about yourself, and we’ll connect you with the right therapist, whether or not you have insurance, in as little as 48 hours.

‍How talking about depression breaks stigma

Talking openly about depression not only helps individuals seeking help, but it also plays a crucial role in breaking the stigma associated with mental health. When people share their stories and experiences, they challenge the misconceptions surrounding depression and encourage others to seek the support they need.

By normalizing conversations around mental health, we can create a more compassionate society where individuals feel comfortable reaching out for help without fear of judgment or discrimination. It's essential to educate ourselves and others about depression, its prevalence, and the available resources. Together, we can create an environment that fosters understanding, empathy, and support for those struggling with depression.

Remember, asking for help when depressed is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards taking control of your mental health. Don't be afraid to reach out and lean on the support system around you. You deserve to live a life filled with hope, happiness, and fulfillment.

‍SonderMind can connect you with a licensed therapist

Depression is more than just a bout of the blues. Even if there doesn’t seem to be a reason for it, don’t ignore your symptoms. Start the conversation with a mental health professional — the sooner you can get help, the sooner you can start to feel better. SonderMind makes it easy to get connected with the right therapist.

If you feel that talk therapy might be right for you, SonderMind can connect you with a licensed mental health professional who can help you manage symptoms of depression and find ways to get back your motivation. Just answer a few questions and we’ll connect you to a therapist in under 48 hours.