Helping Somebody with Depresion

When a loved one is suffering and you are unable to comfort them, it may be painful. The good news is that a brilliant light may be provided by acts of friendship, even in the darkest of circumstances.

 Here are a few suggestions for being a supportive friend to someone dealing with depression.

Let them know that they are not the only ones experiencing this.

Those who struggle with depression frequently report experiencing feelings of isolation. In addition, being shunned by society might make it even more challenging to interact with others. Simply letting your friend know you care about them and think about them might mean a lot to them and help them feel less isolated. One method to let someone know you are there for them is to ask them, "Do you want to speak about it?" You should let them know that the offer is still on the table even if they don't want to chat right now. I'm here if you ever want to chat, so feel free to contact me." Just listen and don't provide any suggestions. When we see a person we care about going through difficulty,  it's only natural for us to want to find a solution to their predicament and relieve them of their misery. You must acknowledge that your friend would not have difficulty if there was a simple or quick solution to the problem. Therefore, fight the impulse to provide guidance and do your best to listen to what your friend has to say. Lean in toward the person to indicate that you are paying attention. Get interested and ask questions. Feel what they are going through, and show sympathy. It is significantly more effective to respond with anything like "that seems incredibly difficult" than "you should try this..." Someone struggling with feelings of helplessness may find significant solace in knowing they are seen and heard by others.

Contribute to the completion of day-to-day tasks.

Living with depression may make performing even the most basic of chores very challenging, and the sensation that one is falling farther behind in life can make the depression much more severe. Volunteering to assist with a particular task can ease the burden carried by a friend who is feeling down. "Right now, I’m in the supermarket. I'm just passing through; do you need anything while I’m here? "I'm aware that things are rather hectic right now; is there anything I can take off your to-do list?" Make sure that your offer is really detailed. If you ask your friend, "Is there anything I can do for you?" They may be unable to answer or believe a request is too much. This can place undue pressure on your friend. Make them an offer to assist them in locating more support. Suppose your friend has shown an interest in seeking the assistance of a professional. In that case, you may offer to assist them in determining the resources that are accessible to them, provide them with alternatives, and, if they so choose, assist them in deciding. Conduct some research on the mental healthcare professionals and support organisations in your area. You might also ask other individuals in your network for references but do so in a way that protects the identity of the individual in need. Suppose their friend enjoys reading or listening to podcasts. In that case, you might also want to consider including those kinds of possibilities in your list.  However, you should be sensible, so your list doesn't become too overwhelming. Depression can consume a significant portion of one's mental bandwidth.

Don't stop inviting them to other events.

People who are depressed might not reach out to their friends as frequently as they usually would. It is also possible that they will not show up or may cancel at the very last minute. Show understanding, and don't take whatever somebody says about you personally. One of the ways that people are coping with their symptoms is by doing this. Maintain inviting them and convince them it's alright if they can't keep plans. You are not leaving, and you will be happy to be with them whenever they are ready for it. You will not go. In addition, it is essential to make it clear that you have pleasure in their presence even when they are upset and don't feel like themselves. Many people isolate themselves when depressed because they perceive that they are not "fun" or "interesting" enough to be around other people. Give them the impression that it is OK to simply "be" with you.

Ensure that your friend has someone to call in case of an emergency.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention has a listing of crisis centres. Locate the helpline or resource most applicable to your friend's situation, and make sure they have access to it. If you are afraid they will hurt themselves, you should seek assistance from the emergency services.

They need support in the direction they've chosen to go.

Give comments to a friend if you see that their emotions are better due to a particular therapy, medicine, or habit that they've selected. "Since you began (whatever the new action is) it seems like you've been enjoying a more significant number of positive days. Do you agree? When you're having trouble sticking to the habit on some days, it might be helpful to return to the objective feedback you received from a caring person.

Continue to communicate.

A friend with whom you have lost touch might learn that you are still thinking about them by receiving a fast " I'm thinking of you" message through email, phone, or text message.

Practice self-care.

When you are a good friend, you can be a better friend to others. Make sure your needs are being met, and find methods to present yourself. Pay attention to your own needs.

We all need a helping hand from time to time. Please share this post with as many people as possible. You never know who might need it.

You Belong Here.