Anybody can get depression, yet many don’t understand the illness. People with mental health issues experience a stigma that keeps them from talking about depression and seeking help. Although you may feel helpless when your loved one has depression, find ways to support the person and be there for them.
Show Them You Care
Let your loved one know you understand their situation. When the person wants to chat, listen closely, but don’t give them advice or comment. Most people with depression criticize everything they do. Always praise small efforts and remind them you value them.
Keep In Touch
A depressed person will have good and bad days. Keeping them busy is crucial, but make sure you don’t become a bother. Sometimes they’ll want to be alone, and that’s okay. However, assure them you will always be available when they need you.
Learn About Depression
Although everyone experiences depression differently, you should be aware of common symptoms of depression, such as lack of interest, feeling down or hopeless, overeating or loss of appetite, oversleeping or being unable to sleep.
Encourage Them To Be Active
Gently encourage your loved ones to stay active, eat a well-balanced meal, and do activities they like. Participate in physical activities like walking, biking, hiking, or running to show support. However, be patient if they decline your offer.
Help Them Look for Treatment
Your loved ones may not know about Impact Recovery Center help or how to acquire it. Some who know there is a treatment option may not be ready to get it. Therefore, volunteer to take the person to a doctor and be part of the healing journey. A psychologist will set up appointments and therapy sessions.
Be Patient
Depressed people change their personalities drastically. They lack interest and enthusiasm and can be very irritable. Remember that anger and impatience are signs of the condition and not a personal attack. Depression affects the mind, making it hard for the affected person to realize how damaging their reactions are. Be patient with them because you can’t control the illness, but you can control your reactions.
Seek Spiritual Nourishment
If appropriate to your beliefs, encourage a depressed person to join a spiritual group. Faith is crucial in depression recovery. You can participate in religious organizations.
Practice Self-Care
If you live with a depressed person, the illness can impact your life. Get psychiatric therapy, and take care of yourself. You can also join a support group and socialize with friends and family. Without proper care, you can also end up with depression.
Celebrate Their Success
When facing terrible moments, it’s not easy to recognize your achievements. When depressed people make progress, whether by improving their health or facing their fears, congratulate and reward them. Such small gestures will discourage the person from concentrating on their problems.
Watch for Suicide Warning
Depressed people are at risk of committing suicide. The common warning signs of suicidal thoughts are; always talking about death, buying pills to commit suicide, a rise in alcohol use, hopelessness, giving away possessions, and organizing parties without a valid reason. If you see suicide warning signs, ensure the person is safe and not alone, or call the suicide hotline number.
Offer Practical Help
People with depression disregard daily tasks. At times, they may not do simple tasks like washing, cooking, or doing homework. Although you can’t cure your loved one’s depression, you can help them out with daily chores or offer to make meals.
Understand You Are Not an Expert
Don’t become a psychologist. It is best to avoid diagnosing and giving your loved ones advice. Let the professionals do their part. Also, don’t impose treatment on them and seek help when the situation worsens.
Depression is not easy to manage. A depressed person can experience mood changes, sadness, or suicidal attempts. Being there for the person is crucial. Offer them help, and company, understand them and be there for them always.
