How to Support a Loved One Living With Treatment-Resistant Depression

Supporting someone you love through depression can be challenging, but when their symptoms don’t improve despite multiple treatments, the journey can feel especially overwhelming. Those with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) may often feel discouraged, confused, and unsure of what to do next. But with understanding, patience, and the right strategies, you can be a strong source of stability and support.

Understand What Treatment-Resistant Depression Means

Treatment-resistant depression doesn’t mean that someone is beyond help – it means that their symptoms haven’t been alleviated by standard treatments, such as two or more antidepressants. Finding the right combination of therapies often requires time, persistence, and specialized care.

By learning about TRD and acknowledging its complexity, you can better validate your loved one’s experience rather than assuming they aren’t trying hard enough to get better.

Listen With Compassion and Empathy

When someone is living with TRD, they’ve likely heard countless suggestions to improve their symptoms, such as getting more exercise, meditation, or trying supplements – many of which they’ve already tried. Providing a safe, nonjudgmental space where their feelings are heard and respected is the best way to be an effective ally. Your role isn’t to fix their depression – it’s to be a steady, supportive presence.

• Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling today?”
• Empathize with and validate their emotions by saying things like, “It sounds like this was a hard week.”
• Avoiding phrases like “Have you tried…?” unless they ask for suggestions.

Celebrate Their Efforts

When living with TRD, even basic tasks, such as showering, answering a text, or preparing food, can take significant effort. Acknowledging your loved one’s resilience with small affirmations can help combat their self-criticism – something that often accompanies depression.

Try saying things like:

• “I’m proud of you for getting through today.”
• “It means a lot that you reached out.”
• “You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.”

Help Make Daily Life a Little Easier

Depression can make everyday tasks and responsibilities feel impossible. Offering your loved one support with the little things can relieve pressure without taking their independence away. However, be sure to ask first – support should feel collaborative, not controlling or overbearing.

Consider offering help with:

• Meal prep or grocery shopping
• Household chores
• Scheduling doctors’ appointments
• Running errands

Stay Connected, Even When They Withdraw

Those with TRD may withdraw socially – not because they don’t care, but because depression can make interacting with others feel exhausting.

You can stay present without overwhelming them by:

• Sending occasional check-ins
• Sharing low-pressure messages, like a photo or a funny video
• Inviting them to activities without expecting a yes
• Reminding them you’re there whenever they’re ready

Care for Yourself, Too

Supporting someone with TRD can be difficult for you as well. Be sure to take care of your own mental well-being so you can remain compassionate, patient, and supportive of your loved one.

Ways to practice self-care include:

• Seeking support from a therapist
• Setting limits to avoid burnout
• Taking breaks and maintaining your own responsibilities
• Recognizing that you are not responsible for their recovery

Be Optimistic

One of the most important things you can offer someone with treatment-resistant depression is hope. Even on their hardest days, remind them that their life has value, their pain matters, and they are not facing this alone. Progress with TRD is sometimes slow and nonlinear, but with many new treatments, improvement is possible.

Find Relief from TRD With SPRAVATO® at LiveWell Counseling

SPRAVATO®, or esketamine therapy, is the first and only FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression – a groundbreaking solution that can provide rapid relief from symptoms. If your loved one has tried at least two different antidepressants and their symptoms persist, this innovative treatment may be the solution they need. In our comfortable, calming lounge, our clients self-administer the SPRAVATO® nasal spray under the supervision of our board-certified psychiatrists and nurses.

Esketamine is one of the only FDA-approved therapies that has consistently shown, in multiple studies, to improve symptoms for those with treatment-resistant depression. To learn more, please call (201) 848-5800 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/Spravato. This treatment is covered by most insurance providers.