Kim Rippon, LCSW: How to Help Loved Ones Struggling with Depression

Stories of Hope in Hard Times

After a conversation with a friend dealing with a spouse who was diagnosed with depression, I decided to bring on Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kim Rippon to give tips on how to help loved ones who are struggling.

Episode Discussion Points

• Talk to your loved one (ideally one on one). Some ideal phrases that help people open up are:
• How are you doing?
• We are pretty good friends and I’ve noticed you just don’t seem yourself lately.
• You know, I’ve had a pretty terrible week. What about you?
• If your loved one has noticed have noticed they aren’t sleeping as well, eating habits have changed, or feel more down or discouraged have them go talk to their doctor about it and have an evaluation done.
• Why service and exercise doesn’t cure mental illness
• Is our brain like a light switch?
• Why it is important to begin a toolbox of coping skills to help manage your situation.
• NAMI.org (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a fantastic resource for both people who are struggling and their loved ones. They even have support groups for loved ones! Don’t do this on your own. Get help for both you and your loved one!
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255—is for both those who are struggling but also caregivers and friends of those who are struggling.
• What to do about burnout as a caregiver or friend.
• Why 30 minutes of self-care is so important for caregivers and why it is okay to have “good selfishness,”
• For people who think there is shame or weakness in seeing a counselor, Kim explains, “It’s the weak people who don’t go and get help. It’s the weak people that keep it a secret. It’s the strong people that say, ‘Hey, I cannot do this on my own, and I need help. Please give me some tools!’”

Recommendations to Help Struggling Children and Teens

So many more teens and children are struggling with anxiety and depression symptoms due to COVID restrictions.

• If your child is struggling with anxiety or depression (and you have a diagnosis or are seeing a counselor), be sure you get a 504 or an IEP for them so they get accommodations at school.
• Be sure to ask for and IEP or 504 in writing, because then it starts a clock for the school to respond within 60 days.

My Favorite Takeaway

I had no idea that associations like NAMI.or and the Suicide Hotline can also help people who are calling for advice on how to help a friend or loved one. So, if you don’t know where to start, you can make a call or use the resources on the NAMI website.

Resources for Caregivers or Friends of Those Struggling with Depression

Video on Empathy by Brene Brown on YouTube

Self-Nurturing Activities (for Teens and Adults)

Suggestions for Adult “Feel Goods”

#tamarakanderson #storiesofhopeinhardtimes #podcast #hope #God #hardtimes #depression #anxiety #caregiver #helpforlovedones #selfcare

You can find the complete transcription of today's episode here: https://tamarakanderson.com/podcasts/kim-rippon-lcsw-how-to-help-loved-ones-struggling-with-depression