Sadness is an integral part of life. We all know this feeling. If it occurs from time to time, in response to specific situations, and does not last long, it is nothing to worry about. However, some of us feel sad, depressed or melancholy on a daily basis, preventing normal functioning.
If this is the case for you or someone close to you, it could mean depression, which is one of the most common diseases in the world today.
Unfortunately, it is still perceived by many as something embarrassing, as something that proves weakness, “inventing” problems when it is not so bad after all. It’s important to be aware that depression is a disease that can happen to anyone, just like diabetes or high blood pressure. Depression is an illness that needs to be treated. That is why the support of loved ones is so important.
See more: Couples Therapy
When a person who suspects depression in a loved one comes to a psychologist or psychiatrist’s office, they often ask the specialist important questions, e.g.:
- How to help a person with depression?
- What to say to a depressed person?
- What not to say to a depressed person
- How to talk to a depressed person?
- How to help a depressed person who does not want to be treated?
- How to help a person with depression from a distance when we are not close?
We will try to suggest in this text what to do when a loved one suffers from depression. However, at the beginning, we will remind you of the most important and unusual symptoms of depression.
Symptoms that may indicate that a person is suffering from depression:
- Depression and crying.
- Lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy.
- Neglect of basic daily duties.
- Withdrawal from social contacts.
- Loss of confidence or low self-esteem.
- Sleep disorders.
- Unreasonable anger or irritability
- Changes in appetite or weight.
Unusual symptoms of depression:
Depression may be accompanied by somatic symptoms, such as:
- palpitations,
- feeling of a lump in the throat,
- dry mouth,
- feeling short of breath,
- constipation,
- nausea,
- frequent urination,
- menstrual disorders,
- colic pains.
How to help a person with depression? How to talk to a depressed person?
Table of Contents
SUPPORT
A sense of support is crucial for a person suffering from depression.
Each of its forms makes sense: whether it will be help in finding the right treatment or relief from everyday duties, such as shopping.
If the affected person is willing to talk about how they feel, encourage them to do so and actively listen. If she’s not ready to open up, be understanding.
Reassure her that the malaise will pass someday, and you will support her in the recovery process, regardless of the circumstances.
TRY TO UNDERSTAND
A person with depression experiences many difficult emotions. He may then behave unusually, inconsistently, often contrary to his nature.
For example, it can be irritable or explosive, which can be misunderstood by the environment unaware of the situation.
Dealing with the negativity, hostility, and irritability that accompany depression is not always easy.
Remember that in this state you don’t always act and say what you really think and feel.
So don’t take too much personally.
If you observe unusual, impulsive behavior in a depressed person, try not to judge them, but do what you can to calm them down and increase their sense of security.
Under the right circumstances, you can try to help find alternative, healthier ways to deal with emotions.
DON’T BECOME A PSYCHOLOGIST
Don’t try to diagnose or give advice outside of your area of expertise, it’s best left to the professionals.
Just listen, accept what the sick person is saying and be by your side assuring you of your support in the recovery process.
Do not force treatment, while remembering to arrange help as soon as possible if the depressed person mentions suicide.
Supporting someone with depression can be difficult and frustrating. So be careful with yourself too.
Finding time to take care of yourself is very important. Talk to others about how you feel, consider joining a support group for people in a similar situation, e.g. online.
BE PATIENT
Sometimes the process of recovery from depression takes a long time. Individuals’ improvement in well-being progresses at different rates.
Struggling with this disease is a lifelong struggle for many, in which you need to constantly, on an ongoing basis, learn how to cope, and also be prepared for possible relapses.
It is important to remember that once treatment is started it may take a long time for improvement to occur. Therefore, patience is very important.
Your presence and support are most needed then.
Listen, accept, try to give the feeling that the sick person is not alone in this difficult moment.
Be next to me.
Resources: Cirque Lodge
BE AVAILABLE
A person with depression may have no desire or strength to be active or lose interest in what used to bring them joy.
On the one hand, it is worth trying to provide her with an occupation that will distract her from the bad mood, on the other hand, remember not to go beyond the individual comfort zone.
There will be good days and bad days when you are depressed.
Sometimes the person who suffers prefers to be alone.
Allow her to do so while ensuring that you are available should she need you
Remember that your loved one who is experiencing depression is not alone. One in four of us experience mental health problems in our lives, and depression is one of the most common diseases in the world today.