Depression is a complicated subject matter. While a lot is being done to try and conquer that issue and make it a more open and approachable subject it is still very much a work in progress despite the fact it’s estimated one in five of us are likely to suffer from it. So when someone with depression comes to you for help, how do you approach it? Celebrity Angels take a look at how to best help someone suffering from depression.
Be there for them:
The first and foremost thing to do is just be there for them. People suffering from depression often feel isolated and alone so making the time to show and maintain a connection with that person will be invaluable to them from the start.
It’s important to remember to keep a balance, being on top of a friend of family member with depression 24/7 will probably leave them feeling overwhelmed; be supportive but not overbearing. Simply being there to talk to over a coffee and encouraging them to go out and eat a healthy meal, go for a walk or a jog, simply getting them out the house on a day-to-day basis is providing them with the help they might need.
Encourage professional help:
Encourage being the crucial word here. Forcing someone to get help can be confrontational and aggressive – these are two things someone with depression is likely going to spend a lot of time trying to avoid. Sit down and weigh up the pros of seeking help; be honest with them as to how it might not be an easy process but they need to look at the long-term benefits seeking help from their Doctor, Mental Health Clinic, The Samaritans and the many other services available out there.
It’s important in these situations not to be critical when they rally against the idea of getting help ¬¬–– There’s a high chance this will happen at first. Using advice such as ‘snap out of it’ won’t help your friend or family member. They’re probably already being overly critical or harsh to themselves so maintain your encouragement and dispute their claims it won’t assist in a calm and encouraging manner.
Also see: Depression: More Than Feeling Low
Avoid these buzzwords and phrases:
There are a few phrases and terms you will mean as encouragement and advice that should probably avoid. Make sure you do your best to avoid these when possible.
• “Snap out of it.”
• “Calm down.”
• “You’re overreacting.”
• “Just think positive.”
• “We all get sad.”
• “You don’t look depressed.”
Some of these will seem obvious, and on the surface they probably are. But be careful, when you feel frustrated or unsure phrases such as these can just slip out.
Look after yourself:
Something that often gets overlooked is your own self-care when you’re focusing on caring for someone with depression. It can be frustrating and challenging at times and overlooking your own health ––both physical and mental––is incredibly easy to do and can have lasting consequences.
A friend or family member suffering from depression can sometimes say hurtful things––stating there’s nobody in the world who can make them happy/help them is tough to hear and can be damaging. No one person can be someone’s reason for happiness, but that blow doesn’t hurt any less. Keep an open mind and remember it is a disorder, a medical condition that needs treating just like any other.
Ensure you have someone to talk to yourself––That’s incredibly important––don’t carry all the weight on your shoulders. Make sure you read up online (from an official source) or ask a doctor if you’re unsure about anything. Uncertainty is an absolutely natural phenomenon when dealing with a subject matter like depression. Don’t expect yourself to have all the answers.
