Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide. It brings those who suffer from it feelings of despair, loneliness, emptiness, and hopelessness as well as other harmful symptoms and effects that make day to day living feel next to impossible. Fortunately, there are effective forms of depression treatment out there for those diagnosed with depression… but what about their loved ones.

Depression doesn’t just affect those who experience the symptoms firsthand. It also negatively impacts their loved ones and can even cause them to develop symptoms of depression, too. This highlights the importance of taking a little extra care of yourself if or when a loved one is feeling depressed. Here are several tips for doing so:

1.     Remember: it isn’t personal.

Some people feel like they’re the cause of another individual’s depression. Or, if not the cause, that they could have done a better job in ensuring the individual was happy and healthy. We must remember that we are not at fault. Depression is a complex problem, as many different factors are involved in terms of why an individual might have developed it. Therefore, we cannot take responsibility for the cause of their depression nor can we take responsibility for their healing. All we can do is be there to support them as needed.

2.     Talk to a counselor.

You don’t have to have depression or another mental illness to benefit from talking to a counselor. Yes, mental health professionals help people manage their mental health conditions, but they also help people work through difficult feelings and simply offer support during challenging times. Rather than deal with this on your own, consider reaching out for this guidance and support if a friend or family member is depressed.

3.     Stay active.

It’s also important to stay physically active. Exercise is a key factor in how physically as well as mentally healthy we are! When we engage in physical activity, our brains produce neurotransmitters that allow us to process our experiences in a clear way and bring us mental clarity. It can also help to reduce stress, of which you might be feeling in the wake of your loved one’s depression.

4.     Spend time in nature.

Like physical exercise, spending time in nature comes with physical and mental health benefits that make a huge difference in our overall wellbeing. If you can, try to spend about 30 minutes a couple of times a week outside. Spending this time in green space, away from the many stressors of our current society, can offer stress reduction, a better ability to focus, and a more positive outlook on life itself.

5.     Engage in activities you enjoy.

My final tip is to simply engage in activities that bring you joy. This could be reading, journaling, spending time with friends or family, cooking, painting, potting plants, or even going wine-tasting. You might also consider combining your favorite activities with time spent outside—this will bolster all of the benefits we previously talked about.

Depression is scary and it takes a toll—on those who suffer directly as well as their loved ones. If you know someone who feels depressed, be sure to take a little extra care of yourself by practicing the above. I hope these tips help.