Watching your adult child struggle with depression can be incredibly painful and leave you feeling helpless. You might see them detach from the things they once enjoyed, struggle with daily tasks, or withdraw from you and others they care about. It’s natural to want to jump in and fix the situation, but managing depression isn’t something you can do for them. However, you can take steps to emotionally support them and create an environment that helps them find healing.
This blog will walk you through ways you can help. Remember that you have to be patient and keep reminding yourself that your adult child is facing a mental illness. With time, effort, and support, they can learn to manage their depression and live a fulfilling life.
1) Spend Time with Them and Listen Without Judgment
Quality time is one of the most powerful gifts you can offer your child with depression. Depression often leaves people feeling isolated and unseen. Spending time with your child shows them you’re there for them, even when they feel alone. Whether it’s having a casual conversation on the porch, watching a favorite show together, or even just sharing a quiet moment, your presence reminds them they’re not facing this alone.
When you’re with them, practice open communication by listening without judgment or trying to solve their problems right away. For instance, if they open up about feeling stuck or hopeless, instead of saying, “You shouldn’t feel like that,” try saying, “That sounds really hard. I’m here for you.” This kind of response encourages openness and makes it easier for them to share and feel heard.
2) Encourage Your Child to Practice Self-Care
Depression can make even basic tasks like eating or getting outside feel overwhelming. Encouraging self-care is a way to gently guide your adult child toward healthier habits without pushing them. Simple choices like serving nutritious meals, not having alcohol readily available at home, or spending time outdoors with them can have a big impact over time.
You can also support these habits by creating an environment that promotes well-being. For example, plan family activities like a walk in the park or cooking a healthy dinner together. Avoid serving alcohol or keeping junk food readily available, as these can worsen depressive symptoms.
If they’re up for it, you might even try an activity that’s fun and uplifting, like gardening or playing team sports. These small actions show your child that they have the space and support to take care of their needs.
3) Empower Them to Find Solutions
It’s tempting to step in and fix things for your adult children, especially when you see them struggling. However, this can unintentionally make them feel less capable. Instead, focus on empowering them to take charge of their own recovery by helping them build confidence and find solutions at their own pace.
For instance, instead of saying, “You need to stop sleeping all the time,” reframe it in a way that supports their well-being. You could say, “I know you’ve been feeling really tired lately, but I’m here if you want to do something. Is there something you’d like to do when you’re ready?”
The goal is to respect their feelings while also showing them they have the agency to make positive changes. Empowering them helps build their self-esteem and restores a sense of control in their life.
4) Recommend for Them to Speak to a Mental Health Professional
While your support as a parent is an important part of their recovery, depression is a medical condition that often requires professional assistance. Recommending they talk to a mental health professional is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to ensure they get the help they need.
Offering to locate a therapist or attending the first session with them can make the process less intimidating. If they’re not ready to take that step, that’s okay too. Reassure them that you’ll be there when they decide they’re ready.
Keep the conversation open, and share resources like call or text options for hotlines or counseling services when the time feels right. Professional guidance can provide tools your child may not be able to find on their own.
Best Online Mental Health Treatment for Depression
Supporting an adult child with depression is a delicate balance of offering love, setting boundaries, and helping them take meaningful steps forward. By spending time with them, encouraging healthy habits, empowering their decisions, and suggesting treatment options, you’re creating a foundation they can lean on as they work toward recovery.
If your child or someone you love is ready to take that step toward healing, Resurface Connect can help. With experienced professionals dedicated to mental health treatment, we’re here to guide your family through this challenging time. Reach out today to explore our treatment programs.
