Depression can be torturous for anyone who suffers it.It causes feelings of intense sadness and hopelessness, low self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts.It can be difficult if you know someone who is suffering from this cruel illness.You would like to help your loved one, but you don't know how.You don't know the right things to say.These tips are exactly what you need if you want to help someone cope with depression.
Step 1: If your friend is considering suicide, you should get help immediately.If this person is considering suicide, please seek help immediately by calling the emergency room or the nearest police station.
You can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline in the US.
Step 2: There are symptoms to watch for.
Take a look at your loved one's behavior to see if he has depression.List the symptoms that you notice.Losing interest in things that were once enjoyed and/or weight gain are some of the reasons for the frequent, long, and seemingly unprovoked sadness.They might stop and come back again.In this case, the symptoms are more than just a bad day, they are a severe change in mood that affects the way someone functions in everyday life.If your friend has had a death in the family, she may exhibit symptoms of depression, but not be clinically depressed.
Step 3: Have a conversation with a loved one.
You should have an open conversation with your loved one if you know they are suffering from depression.Your loved one will have a hard time getting better if he doesn't admit that there is a serious problem.You can discuss the person facing depression with a trusted friend or relative.They might be able to handle these things better.
Step 4: Explain that depression is a condition.
Depression can be diagnosed by a doctor.It can be treated.Let your loved one know that the depression they are feeling is real.
Step 5: Be firm.
Make it clear that you worry about your friend.If your friend tries to change the subject, steer the conversation back to their emotional state, but if she/he gets aggressive, drop the topic.There is another appropriate time to discuss this.
Step 6: Don't get into a fight.
A loved one is in a vulnerable state and is suffering from an emotional problem.Don't be too strong in the beginning.Don't say, "You're depressed."How are we going to deal with it?I have noticed that you've been down lately.What do you think has been going on?Be patient.It takes a while for a person to open up, so give them as much time as they need.Don't let him ruin the conversation.
Step 7: You can't fix the depression.
You want to help your friend as much as you can.There is no easy way to fix depression.You can help them by encouraging them to get help.It's up to your friend to get better.
Step 8: Talk about the next steps.
If your friend recognizes that he is depressed, you can discuss ways to address it.Is he going to talk to a counselor?Does he want to see a doctor?Is he being beaten down by any aspect of his life?Is he unhappy with his life?
Step 9: When should your loved one seek help?
If you and your partner try to tackle the problem on their own, you should know that depression is very serious.You can help your friend, but he should see a mental health professional.There are different types of therapists.Counselors, counseling psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists are included.There are different ones you can see.Counseling psychology is a field of therapy that focuses on helping skills and helping people overcome difficult times in their lives.This type of therapy can be short or long-term.National certified counselors are recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors.Clinical psychologists tend to focus more on the study of behavioral or mental disorders, since they are trained to administer tests to confirm a diagnosis.When medication is an option the patient wants to explore, psychiatrists may use scales or tests in their practice.Only psychiatrists can prescribe medication in most states.
Step 10: Refer someone to your loved one.
Friends or family, religious community leaders, a local mental health center, and a medical doctor are recommended for help finding a counselor.Search functions can be provided by professional associations like the American Psychological Association.
Step 11: You can offer to make an appointment for your loved one.
If your loved one is unsure about seeing a doctor, you may want to set up an appointment.It can be difficult for someone to take the first step, so he might need your help.
Step 12: You can accompany your loved one to the first appointment.
You can go with your loved one to see the doctor.If you talk directly with the mental health professional, they might be able to give you information about your loved one's symptoms.The counselor will want to talk to your loved one alone.
Step 13: Encourage your loved one to seek counseling
Encourage your loved one to try another counselor if the first one doesn't work out.Someone can be put off by a bad counseling experience.Not all mental health professionals are the same.Help your loved one find a new counselor if he doesn't like his current one.
Step 14: Suggestions about different types of therapy.
The benefits to patients have been shown by three main therapies.There are three types of therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy, Interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy.Depending on his situation, your loved one may benefit from different types of therapy.The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to challenge and change beliefs, attitudes, and preconceptions that are thought to underlie depression.Interpersonal therapy focuses on dealing with life changes, building social skills, and addressing other issues that may contribute to depression.If a death has triggered a recent depression, IPT may be effective.Psychodynamic therapy is a type of therapy that helps people understand and cope with unresolved conflicts.Identifying unconscious feelings is the focus of psychodynamic therapy.
Step 15: Suggesting the possibility of taking medication.
A depressed person can be helped by anti-depressants.Antidepressants try to counteract problems in how neurotransmitters are made and used by the brain.The neurotransmitters they affect are categorized as antidepressants.The most common types are tricyclics.The names of some of the most popular antidepressants can be found online.Your therapist might recommend an anti-psychotic if the antidepressants aren't working.There are 3 drugs that can be used with a standard antidepressants to treat depression.Attempting a few different medications may be suggested by a Psychiatrist.Some people don't like antidepressants.It is important that you and your loved one watch how the medication affects him.Take note of any change in mood immediately.Changing to a different class of drug will fix the problem.
Step 16: There is a pair of medication and psychotherapy.
If you want your loved one to maximize how medication works, they should visit a mental health professional on a regular basis.
Step 17: Allow time.
You and your loved one should be patient.The effects of counseling and medication are gradual.For at least a few months, your loved one will be attending regular sessions.Before the counseling and medication have time to work, neither of you should give up hope.It will take at least three months to see a lasting effect from an antidepressant.
Step 18: Do you need permission to discuss treatment?
Depending on your relationship with this person, you may be able to discuss treatments with his doctors.Someone's medical records are usually confidential.There are special considerations when it comes to records privacy.You would need written permission from your loved one to discuss treatments.The parent or guardian of a minor will have the right to discuss treatment.
Step 19: You can make a list of treatments.
List the medications your loved one takes.List the treatments he is receiving.Ensuring that your loved one is following his treatments and taking his medication will be helped by this.
Step 20: Talk to people in the person's support network.
You shouldn't be the only one helping your loved one.Reach out to trusted family, friends or clergy.If the depressed person is an adult, be sure to ask him for permission to speak with others.You will learn more about your loved one by talking to other people.This will make you feel less alone.Don't tell other people about the person's depression.If people don't understand the issue fully, they can be judgmental.Pick whom you tell.
Step 21: You should be a good listener.
Listening to your loved one talk about depression is the best thing you can do.Be prepared to hear what he or she has to say.If he or she is saying something really awful, try not to look too shocked.You should be open and caring.Listen without judgement.Ask a few gently phrased questions if your loved one won't talk.This could help him open up.Ask how he spent his week.Encourage your loved one by saying, "It must have been very difficult for you to tell me that," or "Thank you so much for opening up."
Step 22: Give your loved one all the attention they need.
Don't use your phone, make eye contact, and show that you're giving 100 percent of your time to the conversation.
Step 23: Know what to say
A person suffering from depression needs compassion and understanding the most.You have to listen and be sensitive about what you say when you talk about depression.You are not alone in this, these are some helpful phrases to use when talking with a loved one.I'm here for you.You have a real illness that causes these thoughts and feelings.The way you're feeling will change if you don't believe it now.I care about you and want to help, even though I don't know how you feel.You are important to me.Your life is important to me.
Step 24: They shouldn't be told to "snap out" of it.
It's not helpful to tell someone to "lighten up" or "snap out of it".Be aware.Imagine that the world is against you and everything is falling apart.What do you want to hear?Depression is a very real and painful state for sufferers.It's all in your head, don't use phrases like that.We all go through times like this.You will be fine.Don't worry.There is a bright side to it.Why do you want to die?Stop acting crazy.What is wrong with you?Shouldn't you be better by now?
Step 25: Don't argue about how your loved one is feeling.
The depressed person should not be talked out of his or her feelings.The depressed person may be irrational, but saying that he or she is wrong or arguing with him or her is not the way to go.You could say, "I'm sorry that you're feeling bad."What can I do to help?Your loved one may not tell you how bad he is feeling.Many depressed people lie about their depression.Think about asking in a different way to get at how he really feels if you ask, "Are you okay?"
Step 26: Allow your loved one to see the good in things.
Try to have a positive conversation with your loved one.Show your friend a better angle of their life and situation.
Step 27: Keep in touch.
Call, write, or visit your loved one.You will stick by him no matter what.There are many ways to stay in touch with someone you care about.It's a good idea to see your loved one as often as you can.Email him if you're working.You can communicate through texting if you can't call.
Step 28: Take your loved one for a stroll.
If your loved one spends some time out of the house, he may feel better.It can be hard for a person with depression to get outside.Give your loved one a chance to enjoy something in the fresh air.You don't need to train for a marathon.Go for a 20-minute walk with your loved one.He might feel better after doing some physical activity outdoors.
Step 29: Get into nature.
Studies show that connecting with nature can reduce stress.According to research, walking in green areas can help a person relax and get in a meditative state.
Step 30: You should enjoy the sun together.
It is possible to improve your mood by getting some sunshine.Just sitting on a bench and soaking in the sun can be helpful.
Step 31: Your friend should be encouraged to pursue new interests.
If your friend has something to look forward to, he may get distracted from his depression.Encouraging your loved one to have interests can help shift the focus away from his depression.It's a good idea to give your friend some uplifting literature.You can read in a park or talk about the book.It's a good idea to watch a movie by your favorite director.It is possible for your friend to fall in love with a new range of movies.Tell your friend to express his artistic side.It is possible for your friend to express himself through drawing, painting, or writing.This is something that you can do with each other.
Step 32: You should acknowledge your friend's accomplishments.
Acknowledge and congratulate your friend when he accomplishes a goal.Taking a shower or going to the grocery store are small goals that can be significant for someone who is depressed.
Step 33: You can improve your loved one's daily life.
You can encourage your loved one to try new things, but sometimes the best thing you can do is be there for the mundane.It can help your loved one feel less alone.Being there for low-key activities can make a big difference.Helping the depressed person with the small things can ease their burden.It could be doing your loved one's laundry, shopping for food and necessities, or running an errand.Giving your loved one a hug can help him feel better.
Step 34: It's a habit to step back every now and then.
When your advice is met with resistance, you may become frustrated.You should not take your loved one's pessimism personally.It is a symptom of the illness, not a reflection of you.If you feel that pessimism is taking up too much of your time, take a break and do something that you enjoy doing.It's important if you live with the person and find it hard to get away.Don't direct your anger at the person.If you don't hang out, make sure to check in with your loved one at least once a day.The bigger the support network, the easier it is for individual members to take time away.
Step 35: Take good care of yourself.
You can lose sight of yourself if you get wrapped up in your friend's problems.Being around a depressed person could cause you to have issues of your own.Your feelings of frustration, helplessness, and anger are normal.You may not be able to help your friend if you have too many personal issues to sort out.Don't use your friend's problems as a way to avoid yourself.When your efforts to help the other person are keeping you from enjoying your life or taking care of the things that matter to you, recognize.If your depressed loved one has become too dependent on you, that is not healthy for either of you.If you are affected by your friend's depression, you should seek help.It's a good idea to see a counselor on your own.
Step 36: Make time for yourself and your depressed loved one.
Remember to schedule some "me time" so you can enjoy a healthy and relaxing life, even though you're being an incredible friend by providing emotional and physical support.It's a good idea to hang out with a lot of friends and family who aren't depressed.
Step 37: Be healthy.
Walk to the Farmer's Market or train for a 5K.Do what you can to retain your strength.
Step 38: Give yourself time to laugh.
If you can't make your depressed loved one laugh a little bit, take the time to hang out with funny people, watch a comedy, or read something hilarious online.
Step 39: Don't feel guilty for enjoying your life.
You are allowed to enjoy your existence even though your friend is depressed.If you're not feeling your best, you won't be able to help your friend.
Step 40: Do you know about depression?
If you know someone who is depressed, you need to understand what they're going through.Depression is a disorder that most people don't understand.Depression makes life harder for depressed people.One person who doesn't judge or criticize, who knows to give them some slack, could be a lifesaver for any of them.Talk to a mental health expert if you have had depression or a similar disorder.