Moderated by
Andrea Tuck, LCPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
I tackle and discuss a multitude of social and emotional health issues. I have a belief that through empowerment and non-judgmental support clients' can thrive.
Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
November 21st, 2015 9:14pm
The best thing you can do for a person with depression is listen. Depression can hit because of several reasons. Validation, support, and a shoulder to lean on are honestly great ways to help a person with depression. If they don't want to talk, don't force them. Instead you can say something such as "I'm going to talk about *something* and you don't have to respond." Just being there and letting them know, without having to say, you care is one of the best things someone can do.
Helping people is actually listening their need and topic that , they are going to say, and basd on it, we can find out the reason , how to help people
Talk to them. Ask them to talk it out with you. Be understanding towards them and allow to vent as much as they need. If they feel like they're going to hurt themselves though direct them to a line they can call for more help.
Just listen, why not? I've got the time. I can do it. Most people just need someone to talk to and be heard.
Hi! I know that dealing with depression can be really hard, I've been through it myself. If you want to talk I'm more than willing to listen.
just offer support and try looking out for hidden signs that they want help such as beggining to ask you something then stopping, or they look unsettled, the key is to offer them support reassure them and always be their friend and help them
Be there to listen. Don't say things like "everyone is sad sometimes" or "you just need to snap out of it" Understand that they can't just "snap out of it" and be there if they need to talk. Let them know you care about them and are there for them.
Anonymous
November 27th, 2015 11:34pm
It's hard to know exactly what to do, since you're not a professional, it's best to just offer to be an ear for them to talk to without giving advice
i feel most of them need a listener..they juss want someone to hear what they have to say and that brings in lot of relief. and if its more worse, you will have to help them find their negative thinking behaviours and help with it. motivate them to be more active, be more with friends.. :)
Depression is a very difficult but manageable illness. To better manage this illness, consultation with trained professionals and your doctor can help. These professionals can help you attain resources such as counselling and medication to help alleviate and treat the effects of depression
Show you are there to listen and care for them ,Not there to judge .Hhaving someone to talk to can help someone alot
The key thing with helping people suffering from depression is just to be there for them!! Having depression is a very lonely and difficult time for someone. Show them you care and do some research on it to make sure you can do your best.
The best way is simply to listen to them speak up. They are in such a vulnerable state that even your well meabing might immediately set another cycle. Hug them. Tell them you love them. Take care of them. Support and never let them feel that they are being a burden.
Anonymous
December 3rd, 2015 8:46am
Say them that they are stronger than depressiom,call them beautiful and say that you wont leave them never.
Anonymous
December 4th, 2015 3:20am
By listening to what they have to say. Sometimes people with depression only needs a person they can vent or talk to, to at least make them feel better.
Anonymous
December 4th, 2015 4:18pm
Depression is a mind set. The more you dwell upon something or think negative things, the worst it gets. My suggestion (and this coming from experience ) is to always have hope in a situation. No matter how mad life gets, always find a reason to smile. Life is to short for dissapointment
Ask them what they need. Give them space if they need that, or a friend if they need that. It's hard sometimes to tell what they need unless you ask.
You can be aware of the depression and let them know that they are here when they need you. Don't interrogate them with questions.
Anonymous
December 28th, 2015 6:14pm
One word: Empathy. Empathise with them and try to understand their predicament. Depression can be a tough battle to fight and sometimes all they need is someone who can be there for them to remind them that they can pull through all the odds. Never forget to be there for them when they need you to be (if they push you away, just remind them that you're there for them). Anyone loves support
Anonymous
January 4th, 2016 5:56am
Good for you for wanting to help! You could always be a listener on 7 Cups! :) Or, if you're looking into something long term, perhaps becoming a counselor, therapist, etc. would be a good career choice.
Anonymous
January 5th, 2016 1:10pm
You can tell them what you feel, your advices, you really can't just say to them to get better, because this isn't working.
Be patient and understanding.. Allow them to speak and express continuously. Try and motivate and encourage them.
Anonymous
January 15th, 2016 1:38pm
Be there for them. Listen to them, support them, let them know you love them and care about them. Don't try to tell them to just "stop being depressed," or something like that. Understand that depression isn't a choice, and respect their space if they need it
Be a ressource for them, ask them what they need, motivate them to take care of themselves, be understanding, don't push, take them for walks, be an open ear but don't push it. Don't expect miracles, reach out to them, offer ideas like counselling, if they think it's a good idea, hep them find people, if they're okay with it.
Consider being a volunteer for mental health resources such as a listener on a telephone line, as well as a listener here on 7 Cups of Tea! Within your own circle of acquaintances, just regularly make sure your friends know that you are always available if they need anyone to talk to! A simple statement like that goes a long way. :)
Anonymous
January 16th, 2016 4:52pm
seriouse depression cases should be torwarded to a specialist ... yet if you wan't to be a help .. just offer them your kindness and support ... let them know their not alone
The best way someone can help is by being there for that person. It can be hard but understanding and listening is the best someone can do.
By offering them a non-judgemental listening ear. You don't need to offer advice or anything to them. You just need to simply listen and let them know that you will always be there to support them the best you can.
To lure them into positive vibes only. To have them think about the great things in life rather than the negative things.
Anonymous
January 21st, 2016 10:13pm
You can always show them you care and try to make them feel loved but remenber, people that struggle with depression often need profesional help and figuring out you can not help them can harm you in several ways, also their words can sometimes trigger you. Never forget that anything that person decides to do, its not your fault.
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