10 Ways To Support Someone Suffering From Depression

10 Ways To Support Someone Suffering From Depression. This condition is among the major cause of suicide in the whole world. Although depression is a disorder, it’s treatable. It’s not easy dealing with a friend or family member’s depression. And if you don’t take care of yourself, it can become overwhelming. The following tips can help you deal better with a depressed person.

1. Be A Good Listener

Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone who has been diagnosed with depression is to listen. Don’t avoid the person because you can’t think of something clever to say. Sometimes just being there with them is valuable, so don’t put pressure on them to have something to say either. Make it clear that you want them to feel free to talk about anything that’s on their mind, but only when they feel able to.

2. Be Compassionate

Compassion really is key in helping someone to recover from any illness. Whether it is encouraging them to do something that might help them cope with their illness, like seeking out appropriate treatment, or offering to do something they are struggling with. You could encourage them gently to talk about their feelings or make them aware that you totally understand if they don’t want to open up just yet.

3. Be Understanding 

A depressed person is probably going through a really difficult time. They may be acting more irritable or reckless, and this kind of behaviour is liable to be misunderstood by others who do not know what is really going on. It is not always easy when dealing with the negativity, hostility, and moodiness that go hand in hand with depression, but understand that they don’t necessarily mean what they are saying/doing in their current state of mind.

4. Don’t Become A Psychologist

Don’t start diagnosing them or trying to give advice beyond your knowledge. Just listen to them, believe everything they tell you and let them know you’ll love and support them every step of the way. Don’t force treatment on them, but remember to seek further help immediately if they’re feeling suicidal or showing no willingness to get better.

5. Spend Time With Them

Someone with depression will have both good and bad days. They might show less interest in the things they used to enjoy, and might not always feel like going out. But if they do feel up to hanging out with you, then try and spend time with them by doing things you both used to enjoy. Keeping them occupied and offering them distractions where you can is really important.

6. Encourage Activity

Invite your loved one to join you in uplifting activities, like going to a funny movie or having dinner at a favorite restaurant. Exercise is especially helpful, so try to get your depressed loved one moving. Going on walks together is one of the easiest options. Be gently and lovingly persistent, also don’t get discouraged or stop asking.

7. Don’t Force Them To Cheer Up

Don’t try to force someone who is depressed to cheer up. It’s not as simple as that because depression is a chemical imbalance. You wouldn’t tell someone with diabetes to raise their blood sugar by thinking about it, would you? The same goes for depression; people who have it are dealing with an imbalance of chemicals and medication helps to correct this.

8. Have Patience

Recovering from depression can take a long time and it is important that everyone goes at their own pace; this illness, for many, is an ongoing battle throughout their lifetime and they’ll have to gradually learn how to manage, so be prepared for relapses. It is important to remember that even if they’ve started treatment, it may be a long time before they really start to feel better.

9. Avoid Making Comparisons

Unless you’ve experienced a depressive episode yourself, saying that you know how a person with depression feels is not helpful. While your intention is probably to help your loved one feel less alone in their despair, this can cut short your conversation and minimize their experience.

10. Be Their Support Structure

Find out more about their illness and support them with finding treatment. There are so many different forms of mental illness (think depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD) that it’s important to find out what they are actually suffering from. Suggest going with them to the doctor, counsellor or clinic.