How to Support Someone with Depression in Colorado | Denver, Boulder & Westminster Caregiver Help

When someone you love is struggling with depression, it can leave you feeling helpless, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we’re here to support both the person experiencing depression and the caregivers who stand by them. Whether you're in Denver, Boulder, Westminster, or anywhere in Colorado, our expert team offers compassionate, insurance-covered depression treatment—plus the guidance and community support you need.

What Is Depression? Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms

Depression isn’t just sadness—it’s a medical condition that affects the brain, body, and behavior. Symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Withdrawal from activities and people
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Suicidal thoughts

Some people may appear "high-functioning" but still suffer deeply inside. Learn more in our blog: Coping with High Functioning Depression

Many people might claim previous experiences with mental health support that were ineffective. Read our article "therapy didn't work for me" to learn why it may not have worked and what you can do about it. What stops people from seeking mental health treatment often revolves around stigma but finding help quickly could literally save their life.

Or take our free depression quiz below to see if it may be time for professional help. 

Uncommon Symptoms of Depression People Often Miss

Media portrayals often reduce depression to crying and sadness—but it can show up in far subtler ways. Many people with depression experience symptoms that aren’t immediately recognizable, especially when they’re still going to work, caring for kids, or maintaining appearances. Here are some lesser-known signs:

These signs are especially easy to miss in high-functioning individuals, teens, and marginalized communities where expressing vulnerability may feel unsafe. Understanding the full range of symptoms is key to getting your loved one the right kind of help—before they reach a crisis point.

Learn how to recognize hidden signs of depression in your loved ones in our blog. 

How Depression May Look Different in Men and Women

While depression can affect anyone, men and women often experience and express it differently. These variations can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis—especially among men.

These differences are supported by large-scale studies and national data and can be summarized:

Recognizing these gendered expressions of depression can help caregivers intervene sooner and seek care that’s personalized to how their loved one is showing up.

Why Family & Caregiver Support Matters

Most people living with depression don’t recognize their symptoms or may downplay them—making caregiver involvement essential. Research shows that family members often notice the signs of depression earlier than the person experiencing it. Proactive support can lead to faster intervention, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced relapse risk. In fact, supportive family relationships are linked with higher recovery rates, stronger treatment adherence, and better emotional regulation for individuals living with depression.

One major study found that family psychoeducation significantly improves patient functioning and lowers hospitalization risk (Dixon et al., 2001, Schizophrenia Bulletin). The National Institute of Mental Health emphasizes that loved ones can be instrumental in encouraging someone to seek care (NIMH, 2024). Another review found that caregiver support plays a direct role in improved patient outcomes in treatment-resistant depression (Cuijpers et al., 2012, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics).

Support from loved ones is one of the strongest predictors of recovery. Your compassion can:

Support from loved ones is one of the strongest predictors of recovery. Your compassion can:

• Reduce stigma and shame
• Encourage treatment engagement
• Help stabilize routines
• Provide emotional safety

Studies show that when caregivers are involved in the recovery process, patients are more likely to improve and stay well.

Practical Ways to Help a Loved One with Depression: Do's & Don’ts

Do:

Listen without judgment

Offer help with small daily tasks

Encourage them to attend appointments

Learn about their treatment plan

Don’t:

Say "snap out of it"

Try to fix everything yourself

Blame yourself for their condition

Ignore signs of worsening symptoms

Learn more from our blogs: How to Support a Loved One Through Depression or How to Support a Loved One Struggling with Mental Illness

Not Sure What to Say? Start the Conversation with Confidence

One of the hardest parts of supporting someone with depression is knowing how to begin. What if you say the wrong thing? What if they shut down—or worse, get upset? These fears are common, but staying silent can make someone feel even more isolated.

Talking about mental health doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be compassionate. If you’re unsure how to open up a conversation, check out our step-by-step guide: How To Start a Conversation with a Loved One Struggling with Mental Health

Local Treatment Options in Denver, Boulder & Westminster

Axis offers a full suite of advanced depression treatments under one roof:

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep TMS – non-invasive brain stimulation

Ketamine Therapy (Spravato™) – FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and covered by insurance

Therapy and integrative psychiatry – Integrated care, personalized plans

All locations are LGBTQ+ affirming, teen-friendly, and trauma-informed.

Insurance-Covered Depression Treatments in Colorado

We work with nearly all major insurance providers and handle all prior authorizations. That means less stress for you, and faster access to the care your loved one needs. Learn more about accurate depression treatment costs for Boulder, Denver, and Westminster in our blog: Affordable Mental Health Support is Closer Than You Think

When to Seek Professional Help

You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Seek help if your loved one:

• Mentions hopelessness or suicide
• Withdraws from daily life
• Stops engaging in school or work
• Can’t get out of bed

However, it’s important to note that the sooner someone gets help, the easier it is to recover. Moreover, Coloradans are eligible for paid mental health leave.

Caregiver Depression Is Real—and It’s Overlooked

Supporting someone with depression can take a serious toll on your own mental health. Many caregivers report symptoms of depression themselves, particularly when their loved one’s condition is severe, long-term, or treatment-resistant.

Studies show that caregivers of people with mental illnesses are at significantly increased risk for emotional distress, anxiety, and burnout. According to a study in the Journal of Affective disorders, caregivers of individuals with depression experience higher levels of developing their own depression (Steele et al., 2010). Another study published in BMC Psychiatry found that caregiver stress can result in lowered immunity, sleep problems, and even the onset of depressive symptoms themselves (Chien et al., 2011).

This emotional load can also impact work, parenting, and physical health. That’s why it’s not selfish to prioritize your own well-being—it’s necessary.

Understanding Paid Mental Health Leave in Colorado

If you're a caregiver dealing with burnout, stress, or even your own depression, you may be eligible for paid time off—thanks to Colorado’s groundbreaking Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program.

FAMLI allows eligible employees in Colorado to take up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave for their own serious health condition, including mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder or anxiety. Benefits for all Coloradans who have earned more than $2,500 at an employer are eligible to compensation of 90% of salary up to $1,324 per week. It can be taken part-time, full-time, or intermittently. You can also take leave to care for a loved one with a serious health condition, including clinical depression.

This means caregivers no longer have to choose between their mental health and their paycheck. If the emotional toll of supporting a depressed loved one has impacted your ability to function at work, or if you just need time off from work to pick up your loved one from treatment, FAMLI can give you space to recover, attend therapy, or simply rest.

At Axis, we help you navigate FAMLI paperwork and can provide clinical documentation to support your leave request. It’s one more way we advocate for your healing.

Learn more about qualifying for paid mental health leave in Colorado in our blogs below:

• Taking FAMLI Leave for Mental Health: What You Need to Know=

• Burned Out? Is Paid Mental Health Leave the Answer?

Real-World Success Stories

Thousands of Coloradans face the challenges of treatment-resistant depression—but many are finding hope and healing at Axis Integrated Mental Health. With locations in Denver, Boulder, and Westminster, we provide advanced, evidence-based treatments like Spravato, TMS therapy, and ketamine—covered by insurance and designed for people who haven’t found relief elsewhere.

Our patients say it best:

“Spravato gave me my life back.”
After years of struggling with ineffective medications and therapy, one patient finally found lasting relief through Spravato nasal esketamine at our Denver clinic.

“I reclaimed my life after decades of depression.”
Discover how a combination of Spravato, therapy, and psychiatric care helped one patient finally break free from long-term depression.

“Axis helped me heal from Long COVID-related depression.”
When depression hit after long COVID, this patient turned to our integrated care model—including Spravato, psychiatry, and therapy—and found a path forward.

“Healing through empathy—and advanced treatment.”
This patient describes how the compassionate support at Axis, combined with cutting-edge treatment, changed the course of their mental health.

If you’re searching for real relief—whether in Denver, Boulder, or Westminster—these stories prove that recovery is possible. Your breakthrough could start here. Watch our patient testimonials to learn more.

"… has been a tremendous help to my daughter. She experienced noticeable relief after her very first visit and is now looking forward to her ongoing treatment and future appointments. We are so grateful—thank you, Axis Mental Health!” – Parent of a patient in public Google review

Colorado’s Mental Health Crisis: Why Action Can’t Wait

Colorado ranks near the bottom nationally for access to mental health care, coming in at 46th in the U.S. according to Mental Health America's 2024 rankings. Our state has some of the highest rates of adult and teen depression—and one of the largest care gaps. The need for help is growing, yet many families don’t know where to turn.

At Axis, we believe this is a public health emergency. That’s why we’re building a different kind of mental health care system—one that’s proactive, affordable, and human. If someone you love is struggling, the stakes are too high to wait. Depression is a progressive illness. The longer it goes untreated, the harder it can be to recover.

But there is hope. With the right support, people can and do get better. Our clinics near Denver, Boulder, and Westminster offer evidence-based treatments, fast access, and full insurance support to help your loved one recover—and help you breathe again.

Read more about Colorado’s mental health crisis here.

How We Support Colorado Families in Denver, Boulder, and Westminster

Axis is proudly woman- and locally owned, serving Colorado with a mission to improve mental health access for all. We’ve donated over $400,000 in free care to underserved populations, including first responders and have opened up our operational and marketing playbooks to help other clinics get in touch with more people who need help.

If you’re caring for someone with depression in Colorado, you don’t have to do it alone. Book a free consultation or check your insurance coverage today.

Schedule Now

Resources For Caregivers 

State of LGBTQ+ Mental Health in Colorado

The 266K Project: Colorado’s Mental Health Crisis

CU Boulder Mental Health Resources: CAPS, Crisis Help & Outpatient Options

How Social Prescribing Transforms Mental Health: Nature, Community, and Sustainable Healing

TMS Treatment for Teenage Depression in Colorado: A Safe, Non-Drug Option for Youth Mental Health

FAQs

How can I best support a depressed teenager in Boulder or Westminster?

What signs suggest a loved one in Denver needs professional help?

Is TMS or ketamine therapy covered by insurance in Colorado?

How do I take care of myself while caring for someone with depression?

Does Axis offer LGBTQ+ affirming depression care near me in Westminster, Boulder, or Denver?