5 ways to help combat loneliness and depression

Our first tip to help support your loved one with loneliness and depression is to show them love and let them know you are there for them. Once this is implemented it makes all other steps easier as the foundations are there to show your loved one they are not alone. 

It is vital that your loved one is never made to feel like a burden, a way of avoiding this is allowing them to have responsibility and giving them a sense of purpose. This can be done in a variety of ways. Some can be volunteering at a local charity and smaller ways can range from doing daily tasks and chores to hobbies. 

It goes without saying that a way in which you can combat loneliness is through social interaction. Getting your loved one motivated to do so can be the difficult part. We advise that encouraging your loved ones to join community groups can be a great way of bringing a sense of purpose and socialisation.

Physical activity can be a great way to induce endorphins, this can be done through gentle exercise including walking. There are other options if your loved one feels up for joining a club including yoga where they may also make friends and socialise. 

These are great ways to help support your loved one who is dealing with loneliness and depression. However, it is so important to notice if your loved one is really struggling and may need professional help. Older people are much less likely to seek professional help for depression, and this can make motivating them to do so much more difficult. Age UK found that older people are just as likely to suffer with depression and anxiety as younger age groups, therefore it is just as important to seek help if needed.