Depression…

The word itself sounds scary…isn’t it?

Yes, a clinical depression characterized by persistent feeling of sadness for no reason, which remains for weeks, months or year is troublesome. This sadness when associated with anxiety, low energy, lack of motivation, feeling of worthlessness and sleep problems further disturb a daily routine. And therefore, depression entails a number of unfavorable consequences in context with society and quality of life.

Moreover, family consider depression as a simple sadness and believe that it will go away with time. People usually underestimate the need of psychiatric treatment considering depression as a normal part of life. All these factors delay the start of treatment and hamper the recovery process. 

This makes living with depression more challenging for both patient and family.

But do you know helping someone with depression can give great results.

Yes, your little help can make a huge difference in saving and improving precious life of someone with depression.

Wanting to help someone with depression is really appreciable. Your desire and efforts for such kind of work are admirable. Our society needs more people like you who are caring and helping in nature.

Build a trustworthy relationship

Depressed person is socially withdrawn and prefer to stay in isolation. So, first step is building a trustworthy relationship by expressing your concern and interest to help him/her. 

To start with, have a small talks like “How he/she is today?”, “Did he/she have any plan for that day?”, “Had he/she taken breakfast?”, “Did he/she like lunch/dinner?” 

If you are staying away from that person, make sure to ask these things over a phone call. You can also send some motivation quote massage. The idea is to build trustworthy relationship in between you and a depressed person.

Find moments when this person is more open about his/her feelings. Spend some time and give a chance to share his/her feelings where he/she feels safe and secure. Let him/her cry, laugh, get angry or whatever feelings he/she wants to express. This will help to get rid of distressing thoughts and bottled-up emotions piled up in his/her mind. This person needs an acceptance, an opportunity to express his/her feelings in a healthy way. It’s your duty tounderstand and validate patient’s feelings. 

This person needs support, warmth and care from loved ones, and you can play an important role in this recovery process. 

Persistent gloomy mood makes it difficult for a person with depression to complete everyday tasks. You can give your company to accomplish those tasks.

Ask him/her to accompany with you for shopping, movie, restaurant, or simple walk, so he/she will get a chance to mingle with outside world. Keep doing things you both enjoy.

At the same time, avoid saying things that can demoralize depressed person. 

Consciously stay away from making statements such as, 

“It’s all in your head”

“You’re excessively imagining unnecessary things”

“You are regretting for you mistakes”

“This too shall pass”

“It’s ok”

“You will be fine” 

“You will overcome this”

Instead of directly giving advice, try to find out the reason for lack of motivation. If it’s possible for you, try to figure out the solutions for concerning problems.

Seek professional help

Depression is medical illness and just like any other medical condition only doctors can help to make accurate diagnosis and decide a treatment plan for patient. So, take a depressed person to a psychiatrist. According to severity of symptoms, doctor may advise a medication or psychotherapies or combination of both. 

Both medications and therapies are effective to reduce an intensity of symptoms to a great extent. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to check whether patient is taking his/her medications and counselling sessions regularly.

In some cases, patient may take time to respond to medications so encourage them to adhere to treatment protocol.

Depression usually indulges a person in self-harming activities, including suicide. So check them regularly with personal visits, text massages, video calls or phone calls.

Let’s understand that this person is not in the right frame of mind at this moment. So, he/she may not respond you well and therefore, your helping journey may be filled with moments of disappointment and frustrations. This may test your patience too. Therefore, it’s equally important for you to look after yourself for your own mental health. 

For millions of people, depression is a constant drain, and they need extra support in their battle. It is a time when patient calls simply for a human presence, a listening ear and understanding heart.

It is not only the responsibility of a patient to seek support from family, but other family members and friends must stay alert if they notice behavior changes in the patient. 

Keep up this noble work…!!!

Also Check : Rebuilding Your Life After Years Of Depression

Disclaimer

Mediclin Brain Health’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.