How can you help someone with depression? Supporting a struggling loved one can feel overwhelming, and it’s hard to know exactly what to do. But don’t underestimate the impact you can have. Your support really matters—encouraging them to seek professional help or being there to listen and show you care. Sometimes, simply showing up with kindness can make all the difference. At ALANA Recovery, we understand the weight depression can carry—and how, when paired with substance use, it can feel even heavier. As a Promises Behavioral Health company, we’re here to help you take your first step to building a life after narcotics and alcohol (ALANA).
If someone you love is showing signs of depression or turning to substances to cope, don’t wait. Reach out to ALANA Recovery today to learn about depression treatment and addiction recovery support in Georgia. Your loved one’s healing can start with you.
What to know about depression
Depression is more than sadness. It’s a mental health condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and functions in daily life—and it’s a more common condition than you may think. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 280 million people around the world are living with depression. In the United States, nearly 1 in 10 Americans reported experiencing depression between 2020 and 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).1
Depression can look different for everyone. It might feel like constant sadness, a lack of motivation, irritability, or even show up physically as fatigue or headaches. For many people, it’s also connected to struggles with substance use, which can make recovery feel even harder and add to the challenges.
What are the signs of depression?
Noticing the signs of depression can be the first step in supporting someone you care about. Some things to look out for include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty most of the time
- Pulling away from social activities or loved ones
- Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Losing interest in things they used to enjoy
- Struggling to focus or make decisions
- Talking about feeling guilty, worthless, or blaming themselves
- Mentioning thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it could be a sign that professional help is needed.
What are the dangers of untreated depression?
When depression goes untreated, it can lead to serious challenges, especially if someone starts using alcohol or drugs to cope. These struggles can include:
- A higher risk of suicide
- Worsening physical health problems
- Long-term sleep issues
- Feeling isolated and experiencing strained relationships
- Difficulty keeping a job
- A greater chance of developing or worsening substance use disorders
If you or someone you care about is facing these challenges, know that help is available. You don’t have to face it alone. ALANA Recovery is here to help with compassionate care in a supportive setting.
Can depression co-occur with addiction?
Yes, and it often does. Many people facing depression may turn to substances in an attempt to numb their emotional pain. Over time, this can develop into a substance use disorder. Conversely, long-term substance use can alter brain chemistry, increasing vulnerability to depression. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) ’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), around 21.5 million adults in the U.S. are living with co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses. This means they are managing both addiction and other mental health conditions, such as depression.2
At ALANA Recovery, we’re here to support you through both mental health and substance abuse challenges. Our team recognizes these struggles as interconnected and dedicates itself to helping you heal and move forward.
How to help someone with depression
Supporting someone with depression can feel tough, especially when they pull away or seem irritable. But there are ways to be there for them without overstepping:
- Just listen: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let them talk. You don’t need to have all the answers or try to “fix” things—just being there matters.
- Offer gentle encouragement: Let them know they’re not alone and remind them that help is available when they’re ready.
- Pitch in with small things: Depression can make even basic tasks feel impossible. Offer to cook a meal, tidy up, or give them a ride to an appointment—it can make a big difference.
- Avoid minimizing their experience: Phrases like “just snap out of it” or “others have it worse” can feel invalidating.
- Encourage professional treatment: If your loved one is open to it, offer to help them find a therapist or mental health program.
Depression is a condition that requires care and support—not silence. No one should have to go through it alone.
How depression treatment can help
At ALANA Recovery, we’re here to help you heal—both emotionally and from substance use. If you’re struggling with depression, we offer compassionate care that may include:
- Therapy sessions: Using proven approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help you work through challenges.
- Medication support: For some, antidepressants can play an important role in feeling better.
- Group support: Sharing your journey with others who understand can make a big difference and help you feel less alone.
- Dual diagnosis care: If addiction is part of the picture, we treat both issues together so you get the support you truly need.
Our programs focus on building coping skills, improving daily function, and fostering resilience. We offer options like partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and standard outpatient care—all rooted in understanding, connection, and trust.
Help your loved one start their journey to healing with ALANA Recovery
Supporting someone with depression doesn’t mean having all the answers—it’s about being there with love, patience, and understanding. At ALANA Recovery, part of the Promises Behavioral Health family, we’re here to help you and your loved one take the first step toward lasting healing.
Whether it’s depression, addiction, or both, our trusted outpatient rehab in Georgia offers a safe space for growth and recovery. If you’re ready to learn more, call 770.759.7474 or reach out online. Sometimes, just showing up can be the lifeline your loved one needs to take back their future. Let’s start this journey together.
Footnotes:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Protecting the Nation’s Mental Health.” Accessed April 10 2025.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” Accessed April 10 2025.