How can someone help a person who is depressed?
The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This help may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until symptoms begin to go away (usually several weeks) or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person to the doctor. It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person is taking medication for several months after symptoms have improved. Always report a worsening depression to the patient's physician or therapist.
The second most important way to help someone with depression is to offer emotional support. This support involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement to the depression sufferer. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Always take them seriously and report them to the depressed person's therapist.
Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, and to the movies and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, or religious or cultural activities. However, do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs company and diversion, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure and exhaustion.
Do not accuse the depressed person of faking illness or of laziness. Do not expect him or her "to snap out of it." Eventually, with treatment, most depressed people do get better. Keep that in mind. Moreover, keep reassuring the depressed person that, with time and help, it is highly likely that he or she will feel better.
Read more at : medicinenet.com
@Alia2 This is a great article! If you can, do send the link that leads directly to the article.
@Glue
Here is the link Glue :https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=342#how_can_someone_help_a_person_who_is_depressed
Sorry for being too late to post this but my memory is bad 😂😰
@Alia2 Thanks for sending me the link. I'll read it.
@Alia2 Thank you for posting this. I know quite a few people struggling with depression and I don't always know what to do to help.
@Alia2
This is a very useful article. Thank you so much for sharing it. I hope it helps other people who are in a similar situation.
@loveyourself90
you are welcome Love 😊
@Alia2 great article. Thanks for sharing. I think it is important to take the depressed person seriously and don't expect them to just "snap out if it". Also to be aware some depressed people can seem ok when people are around, but sink back when alone. Remember to check in if you think the person you know might fit with this. Take care ❤️
@eternalForest63
totally agree .
@Alia2
Thanks for sharing
@adoredHug70
you are welcome Hug 😊
Hello,
I am depressed/suicidal and afraid of going to the doctor/therapist. My fear is not being believed because I can usually act normal in front of people and pretend everything is fine, it's just when I'm alone or with my boyfriend that I can become severely depressed/experience suicidal thoughts. My boyfriend and I are unsure of what to do. Any suggestions/encouragement would be nice.
@lemonbardreams sounds like a heavy load to carry for you both. I am pleased you have the courage to reach out and that you have support. I would suggest connecting with a listener on 7 cups as a starting point. Browse the listeners for someone who lists depression if you don't want to put in a general request. There are also chat rooms where other members can offer you support. Working through the self help guides and growth path is also a great way of encouraging yourself, but if you are concerned for your safey please consider going to a Doctor or contact a suicide help line. There are many causes of depression and a doctor or therapist may be able to help you with the cause. Once you know more about why you have depression, the road to recovery can be a lot easier. You are reaching out which is awesome :-)
