"Elmira, how can I help a family member with depression?" - Gentle Guardian
Dear Gentle Guardian,
Depression is heavy. It's not a mood someone can snap out of—it’s an illness, a weight, and sometimes a silence. When a family member is carrying that, the most important thing we can offer isn’t answers, but presence. Beloved, sit with them. Listen. Remind them they’re not alone. And encourage professional help—because support is love, but healing often needs guidance too.
Depression is not weakness. It’s not failure. It’s a call for compassion—sometimes for patience, sometimes for medical care, sometimes both. Hold your loved one gently, and hold yourself gently too.
If you or anyone you love is struggling, please know help is out there: talk to a doctor, a therapist, or reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988 in the United States.
