In the last blog, we read about few facts on levels and causes of depression.
Let's explore if someone in your family or a friend is suffering from the same, what can I do to help that member to be able to overcome that illness.
1) First of all, encourage that family member to seek help for their mental health because like any other physical illness, this one also needs proper diagnosis and treatment.
When I was diagnosed with depression, this is one aspect that really helped me the most that seeking a psycologist to understand why I am feeling what I am and what can I really do to overcome it
2) Don't leave them alone. Even a simple text message to let them know that you are thinking of them can make all the difference.
3) Be willing to listen to understand their problems and not Judge. Since they are as it going through bouts of sadness and despair, judgements can close them to you all together and then one would not be able to help.
4) Please don't try to fix them as they don't need fixing. They need your understanding.
5) As a friend or a family member, please be Patient as the treatment is a process and will take time. There is no quick fix solution.
As the person who is depressed has little or no motivation to do just about anything, patience is the key factor here. There is definately a solution and recovery to this illness but it may take a little time.
6) Please do not take anything they do or say personally. It doesn't help them neither does it help you nor the relationship in particular
Depression is not a flaw and neither it is a weakness. It is a medical condition and is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.
We all know words are powerful. Words have the power to change or destroy lives. So, it becomes all the more important to choose those words wisely especially while communicating with a person seeking treatment.
Let's see what we can or can't say to a person suffering from a mood disorder / depression.
1) I am here whenever you are ready to talk about it. ✅
2) It's all in your head ❎
This statement has just minimised every feeling, every ache and every pain.
1) What can I do to help you today? ✅
2) Saying things like "Cheer up", "You just need to Snap out of it", "Let go" ❎
Just try to be positive ❎
When it comes to mental illness, it's not like instantly pushing a switch and snapping out of it .
1) You are not alone ✅
Depression causes people to isolate, letting them know that you are there for them can really help them.
2) But you have a great life, why did this happen? ❎
So many people out there are worse off than you ❎
You have just isolated the person further.
Many people hide their mental illness under a mask and just because they are laughing at your jokes, doesn't mean they are fine.
1) That sounds hard, how are you coping ? ✅ It's a great reminder that you see them, you are concerned about them and you are there for them.
2) You are so strong, didn't expect this to happen to you ❎
Hope the blog has helped us to understand people who are suffering and who may need your help.
Here's to all people who are treatment for depression,
I get you
I understand you
and I am always there for you.
Please let me know what can I do to help you
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