How to Support a Loved One with Depression This Fall
As the weather changes and daylight hours decrease, many people experience a shift in mood and energy. For those living with depression, the transition into fall can be particularly challenging. The shorter days, cooler temperatures, and upcoming holiday pressures can exacerbate symptoms, making it even harder for loved ones to cope. If someone you care about is struggling with depression, this season can offer both unique challenges and opportunities to provide meaningful support.
Understanding how to offer help during this time requires empathy, patience, and clear boundaries. Here are some practical ways from My Time Counseling that you can be there for a loved one experiencing depression this fall while also taking care of yourself.
Tip #1: Offer Emotional Support Without Judgment
When supporting someone with depression, it’s essential to listen and provide a non-judgmental space for them to express their feelings. Avoid trying to “fix” their depression or dismiss their emotions, even if you don’t fully understand them. Here are some ways you can offer nonjudgmental support to someone with depression:
Ask them directly what kind of support they want from you: Do they want advice or just a listening ear?
Let them know you're available to listen whenever they need to talk.
Validate their feelings without offering solutions: "I can see this is really hard for you."
Avoid minimizing their experience with phrases like "cheer up" or "just get outside."
Check in regularly with simple, supportive messages like "thinking of you" or "how are you today?"
Create an open, judgment-free environment where they can feel safe expressing themselves.
Tip #2: Encourage Self-Care and Healthy Habits
While depression often zaps energy and motivation, gentle encouragement to engage in self-care can help your loved one feel better over time. Small actions can have a big impact on their mood and energy levels, especially in fall when staying inside feels more tempting. Here are some ways to encourage a loved one to engage in self-care:
Suggest activities they used to enjoy, without pushing if they’re not ready.
Invite them for a short walk or outdoor activity to enjoy the fall scenery.
Encourage routines that promote mental health, like getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and spending time outside.
Share resources like apps or books on mindfulness and self-compassion that can help them navigate difficult days.
Offer to join them in low-pressure activities, like having a cozy movie night or cooking a simple meal together.
Tip #3: Help Manage Holiday Pressures
The fall season brings with it the pressure of upcoming holidays, which can increase stress for someone with depression. Whether it’s family gatherings, financial stress, or the expectation to be “cheerful,” these events can feel overwhelming. Here are ways to help loved ones with depression manage the upcoming holiday season:
Help them set realistic expectations for the holiday season, including saying “no” to events that may be too overwhelming.
Offer to assist with holiday preparations if they’re feeling too drained, like shopping or decorating together.
Encourage them to prioritize self-care during busy times and make space for rest between obligations.
Remind them that it’s okay to feel however they feel during the holidays—there’s no need to “fake” happiness.
Discuss boundaries together, such as how to manage family interactions and whether they want to participate in holiday events.
In conclusion, you can support loved ones with depression by offering a nonjudgmental space, encouraging self-care, and helping manage holiday expectations. At My Time Counseling, we specialize in depression therapy. Reach out to us today to see what we’re about!
