Depression is a severe but treatable disorder that disturbs millions of people, from young to old and from all walks of life. Depression can disrupt everyday life, causing incredible and terrific pain, hurting not just those suffering from it, but also impacting everyone around them. It’s a severe disorder and can be especially difficult to deal with when living with a loved one’s depression.
Don’t underestimate the seriousness of depression and the impact it can have on the one suffering from it but those around that person. Depression drains a person’s energy, positivity, confidence, and motivation. It can also have devastating impact for those living with a loved one’s depression.
Supporting and Helping Someone with Depression
Here are some points that provides help for the treatment of a loved one, whether a friend or family member, who suffers from depression.
- Listen: Have in mind that the depressed person isn’t communicating well right now and is possibly speaking slower and less clearly. Be patient and don’t interrupt.
- Talk about it: Sometimes it is hard to know what to say when talking to beloved one about depression. You might distress that if you bring up your worries, he or she will get angry, feel insulted, or ignore your point. Encourage the depressed person to talk about his or her feelings.
- Be there for them: Give them a shoulder to cry on or just listen while they spill out their hearts to you. Be patient with them. Let them know that you care.
- Laugh with them: Laughter is known as the best anti depressing medicine. Laughter helps to improve the symptoms of depression.
- Suicidal Thoughts: Suicide is a very real danger when someone is depressed. Call the doctor for advice if the person talks about suicide take it seriously. Dr. Saltz says, “Asking someone about whether or not they are suicidal can provide some relief and open up a path to treatment.”
- Encouragement: Encourage the individual to get professional help for depression if he or she is resisting. Encourage your friend or family member to lead a healthier lifestyle, eat better, exercise, maintain a positive outlook, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Plan some outings together: Plan to go to the movies together, go on a weekend hike, have coffee together, or having dinner at a favorite restaurant, or having dinner at a favorite restaurant.
Conclusion
There is so much you can do to help someone who is depressed. These tips are meant to be guidelines. Hopefully they will help you help a depressed friend or loved one. Love them unconditionally and let me know it’s their illness you’re frustrated with, not them.
This article originally appeared on Flyost.com.
