Table of contents
☕️ Good Morning Friends, Today we'll talk about depression.
If someone close to you is suffering from depression, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Fortunately, you should know that although it is a mental disorder that can be serious, it can be treated.
If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from depression or if the diagnosis has been confirmed, I recommend that you consider the following tips if you want to help them with their treatment:
- Listen to it: depression can become a disorder with thoughts and feelings so invasive that they isolate the person who suffers from it. Therefore, if you want to help a depressed person, one of the best things to do is to let her know that she is not alone and that you are open to anything she wants to share with you. The key to getting a sad or depressed person to express his feelings is precisely to listen to him without judgment. That is to say, even if you think you can provide a solution to their problems, in reality, it is better to listen to them without giving advice that they do not ask for.
- Offer your help with household chores: if you live with a depressed person, you should know that even small daily tasks, such as doing the dishes or making the bed, can be completely exhausting and overwhelming for them. That's why offering them to help them (not by doing everything for them, but by helping them do it) can be one of the best ways to help a depressed loved one.
- Stay in touch: In many cases, people with depression may be ashamed of not being able to do the things they used to do. In this case, they are likely to isolate themselves so as not to have to accept these feelings in front of others. If you want to support a person with depression, it is essential that you try to let them know that you are there and that you would like to spend time with them (if they wish).
- Do positive activities with him or her: Research on depression has shown that there are different activities that can improve mood. These include exercises such as yoga, swimming, nature outings or any artistic activity. Therefore, if you live with a depressed person or if you want to help a sad person, a good idea is to suggest this type of activity.
- Talk about depression: if you think the person does not know that he or she is suffering from depression, it is important to tell him your suspicions. In these cases, it is essential to try to be an attentive ear rather than give advice. In other words, you must not "regulate" the situation of your friend or family member, but be attentive. Thus, instead of directly stating your suspicions, you should talk about your feelings towards the person. For example, you can say "I've been worried about you lately", "I wanted to talk to you because I've seen you feel quite sad or depressed lately", or similar sentences.
- Help him find support: When a person with depression tries to seek help, it can be an overwhelming experience for them. That's why it's essential that you try to help them get by, whether by directing to professionals or simply by fighting against the prejudices they face in mental health these days.
- Support the treatment of your loved one: one of the most important things you can do to help a depressed person is to try to give them your unconditional support throughout the treatment process. This involves showing compassion and patience, which can be difficult when you are confronted with negativity, hostility or bad mood that often accompanies depression.
- Take care of yourself: Sometimes we forget ourselves when we try to find out how to help a depressed person who is dear to us. In fact, this is the worst thing we can do, because if we are not well in our skin, we will not be able to help them in their fight. That is why, in this situation, I recommend that you have a little space to take care of yourself.
It can be difficult to help people with depression if they isolate themselves from others, and even their loved ones. However, helping them can be as simple as offering to listen to them, being there when they need them or doing things with them. In fact, the best help is to listen to them and make them feel that you are there for them.
Warning signs from a depressed person
When a person suffers from depression, he is more likely to self-harm and commit suicide. Therefore, if someone around you suffers from depression, it is important to know the following warning signs:
- Frequent or rapid mood changes;
- Increased consumption of alcohol or drugs;
- Search for information on suicide on the Internet;
- Constantly talking about death;
- Their conversations are very moving (as if they were their last);
- Isolate yourself more and more from your loved ones.
If you see these signs, you must stay calm and ask the person in depression if he has any suicidal thoughts. Even if it is counterproductive, talking about it directly can be more useful than simply ignoring it.
❤️ Enjoy this Newsletter?
Please don't forget to give me feedback at the end of this E-Mail 👇
If you enjoyed this edition, please share the love with your friends and family members. And let them know where they can subscribe [here]
Until next edition, take care.