How to Help Someone with Depression: A Practical Handbook

by Emma Cotterill

It can be tough watching someone you love struggling with depression, with no idea how best to help. Depression can be mild, or so all-consuming that the person you love is hardly recognisable. It can come in bouts, or span a significant period of time, which can take its toll on those closest to the sufferer. In this accessible guide, clinical psychologist Dr Emma Cotterill gives you a clear understanding of the nature of depression, likely causes and practical ways you can help someone experiencing depression - however severe. She draws on the experiences of both sufferers and their supporters to help you feel a little less alone in this difficult time. She also shows you the importance of looking after yourself, and how to seek outside help. Throughout the book you will develop your own 'supporter’s toolkit' of knowledge, understanding, skills, strategies, self-care and resources that will help you support your loved one as best you can, whilst maintaining your own self care and boundaries.

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2021

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful book on explaining depression from both the sufferer and helper angle.
It is quite in depth for its size and it does not hide away from the seriousness of depression.
It is honest and some parts can be upsetting to read especially if it has been something you have experienced personally or someone close to you.

If you do not know exactly how depression is effecting someone and you need genuine help then i would suggest giving this a read.
It has a lot of info on the back regarding reading material, podcasts and contact details of charitys or organisations that are well thought off and very helpful.

It is a really good starting point and not a overwhelming, complicated read.
The only issue i had with this was further on in the book it speaks of the depression as a seperate identity. I understand this may help and makes sense. I felt that it may not work for everyone looking at it in this way.
That it may be a constant reminder of a problem and the elephant in the room to some. Or it may help to others to name it and to focus on it being this and not you as a person.
It all depends how the person or you are feeling at the time. Depression is a delicate state if mind while needing to be strong. Its a constant battle and climb to getting back to you.
This is a helping hand to those you need it.

[Stephen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly amazing book. I encourage everyone to give this a read, you don’t know who’s life you could save one day.

This book is extremely well written and explains in great detail how to truly help someone, in a true ‘idiots guide’ form it explains it in a lot of detail without being condescending.

This book shows you lots of different ways to help whilst making sure it is clear you should never help someone alone and specialist help me be required


Look after yourself

Look after someone else

[Sarah Goodfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book! I usually read fiction but saw this one and thought it would be helpful. It really was (I wish I'd took notes as I went!) It's very easy to understand - not too academically worded. Would recommend it.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good starting point thats not too complex. Still helpful to skim even with prior knowledge.