What are some steps that can be taken to help people with depression?
vinilovesyou
on
Nov 11, 2014
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1) Seeing a therapist they know they can trust, because some people are really discouraged from going to therapy for many reasons, one of which, is that they cannot find the needed connection with a therapist.
2) Give them the support they need in the form of a loved one, show them that they are not alone. Depressed people are sadly not always in control of their thoughts, and may feel so overwhelmed by them that knowing they have someone there who is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that they are okay, is just wonderful. Ofcourse, this won't always be the case, because even though they may have a lot of support, it is highly possible that they may still feel alone, however, it does make a difference to have such a strong support system, since it won't hurt to try and it's better to have something or someone than nothing.
3) Let them know that, "You are not your thoughts", this may be helpful, since, as I said, they feel disconnected with the world around them and some thoughts can be quite scary in such a situation, that is why it is also necessary for them to know that , "You are in control of your thoughts, it's your choice whether you want them to control you or not." Gaining control of your thoughts isn't always easy, especially for a depressed person, but it also isn't impossible.
4) Meditate - an ancient method people use to connect with their deeper , inner selves. Make it a daily routine and you're bound to see results.
5) Keep the Faith - there must be at least one thing that is motivating you to pull yourself out of this state of depression, hold on to that one thing, try to find others along the way, and keep striving to be better :)
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Keeshure
on
Sep 21, 2014
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Patience, an emotionally peaceful atmosphere, acceptance and trust are the most important! With these you allow the depressed individual to feel okay with his/her current state, and will then be more open to seek professional help.
confidentSoul35
on
Jun 21, 2016
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Talk to them, but never force/push them into anything. The key is in making them feel comforatble. And help them be mentally strong.
Anonymous
on
Sep 11, 2014
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Listening to their concerns or what makes them depressed is always an effective method than advice.
LiLee
on
Sep 12, 2014
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I guess that first of all, ask to the person what are the things she/he likes to do (reading, playin sports, going out wth friends) and try to show her/him all the good things in life. If you show excitement about life and try to cheer the depressed person, it might help her/him to see all the good aspects of life.
Ven
on
Oct 5, 2014
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There is no correct answer for this question. However, determining what causes the depression can be a good starting point. If it does not require immediate medical attention, words of encouragement may be used. Most of the depression cases are related solely on a person's lack of confidence. However, if it is a pressing matter, it would be advisable to call for professional help.
FrancescaGabrielle
on
Oct 23, 2014
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Always being there for them, listening, helping them take action, offering them solutions (without any pressure or judgement) can help to make people feel better who are suffering from depression.
Brettlstar
on
Oct 23, 2014
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Depression is a state of mind and a chemical imbalance according to research but it also responds to things like aromatherapy, homeopathy, dietry changes, exercise and so forth. If the depression followed a long period of stress then it may be the exhaustion phase of the stress response cycle. Reducing the stressors is essential. Dont be fooled into dividing good stress and bad stress. Current research has shown that stress is stress and has the same effects over time whether you like it or not. Therapy is important and learning some skills like correcting faulty thinking styles, improving the way you talk to yourself, getting regular sleep (bed and wake same hour each day), and even learning mindfulness. Depression is not the ending, it is just a message that some changes need to be made. If you take the course of medication, remember to follow it up with counselling. Antidepressants are a temporary fix not a long term solution.
iWarrior
on
Oct 24, 2014
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There are many steps to help people cope with depression. Finding them a hotline, a friend, or just being there for them is some of them.
jennimarie
on
Oct 24, 2014
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Helping someone cope with depression is always hard, but there are always things like creating a trustworthy safe space for them, being available if they need a distraction, or always showing them open love. Often all someone needs to brighten their day is a good morning text or a loving embrace!
Anonymous
on
Oct 25, 2014
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Empathize.. it sucks feeling bad. Reflect.. how did it come this far. And activate.. no matter what the cause is, how can you get back on your feet and find your way back to work and social activities.
Charity0
on
Nov 2, 2014
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Give them a big long hug and show them that you care. Give them the space to reach out to you but be close by anyway. Refer them to an actual hotline phone number or e-mail address that they can use for their area of residence so they themselves can start their journey to recovery when they feel they can. 7 Cups of Tea is great from what I hear too ;). Usually depression is a very personal ordeal that is difference person to person so the only consistent steps you can take, is to be there and refer them to professionals who can be there for them too. Though it may seem great to drag them through a list of outdoor activities and call them constantly to check up on them, like many diseases, depression is an illness or/and symptom that take time to treat and recover from. So remember to give them the space they need to express what they need.
Anonymous
on
Nov 3, 2014
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Talk to someone who cares or who will help you. This could be someone you know, a psychologist, or even just a random person on the internet. Talking to someone is the first step in getting the help you need.
Anonymous
on
Nov 9, 2014
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Just have the patience to listen and be compassionate!
Because it is usually difficult for those who are depressed to express what triggers their depression.
fromthesea
on
Nov 9, 2014
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You can show them that you care and that it's okay to feel the way they feel. In my experience, they feel very alone and like what they feel is wrong. But it isn't. As a friend/family-member, the best you can do is comfort them and tell them you love them and that you care.
Anonymous
on
Nov 10, 2014
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Let them know you are there for them and they aren't alone. Don't pressure them or make them feel bad in any way.
Anonymous
on
Nov 12, 2014
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First, ask the person to get out of bed. Then, ask the person to take a shower, it would give him/her a momentum and could make him/her better. Then, ask him/her to go out with his/her friends, you know, do something and talk. You can also ask the person to drink a cup of tea or coffee. It could make the person a bit better. (Thanks to the future doctor who taught me this, yes, it's from a future doctor so you can count on these steps!)
SeagullColin
on
Nov 13, 2014
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Let them know that you care. When people are depressed, they often feel alone. Talk to them, make them feel nice.
Fadams123
on
Nov 14, 2014
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Recovering from depression requires action, but taking action when you’re depressed is hard. In fact, just thinking about the things you should do to feel better, like going for a walk or spending time with friends, can be exhausting.
Anonymous
on
Nov 17, 2014
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Make them happy. Go out with them and things like that. Sitting in the house is not gonna help with the problem.