To know How to help someone with depression , The first thing you have to know is what you're dealing with.
Depression is a complex disease that can lead to death to those who suffer from it, and even make people sick in the immediate environment.
Therefore, this disease should not be underestimated; You have to act quickly and accurately. The good news is that it has a cure.
The Great Phantom of Depression
One of the great disadvantages of this disease is that sometimes it is not easy to recognize.
Many times she is confused with a mere state of sadness and is simply told to the other:"come on is not so much"while you hit her back.
The Depression Is a disease, often silent, that when it is expressed is too late.
The first big effort you have to make to help a person with depression is to confirm the diagnosis.
If you know the signs of a depressive condition, you identify and recognize them, then it is likely that the person is suffering from the illness.
However, the treatment and steps to follow should be guided by a professional. In the case of depression, treatment is usually interdisciplinary, and in addition to psychological care the patient may require the intervention of other professionals, such as a psychiatrist.
10 tips to help overcome depression
Every human being is unique, and depression is often the funnel through which a series of conflicts that the person by himself has failed to solve.
However, beyond the particularities, there are Practices and behaviors That will allow you to help.
Some of them are:
1-Confirm the diagnosis with a professional
If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from depression, the first thing is to confirm it.
Sometimes a deep state of sadness can be confused with a pathological behavior, such as depression. To be completely safe, consult a professional.
At the time of the consultation, keep in mind that there is a possibility that you can not go with the person who is suffering from the disorder.
Part of the illness implies that the patient shows an apathetic and reluctant behavior to accept help. You can not accept his will, but you must take charge of the matter.
In the event that you decide to go to a professional on your own, try to bring a complete description of the symptoms.
Without harassing who is going through the bad time, try to dig a little. For example, try to know if your friend or family member is sleeping well, if he is eating normally or has lost his appetite.
These are some of the clear signs that would indicate that you are facing the disease.
2-Collaborate with professionals
If the diagnosis is confirmed, then a great task begins for you. Do not expect the depressed person to understand what he is living and do not expect him to act accordingly.
Therefore, think that you can be alone in your great mission to help and be prepared for it.
When a depressed person is only suggested to seek professional help, it is common to find comments such as:"what am I going to go for?","No one will fix my problems but me."
A depressed person has a perception about himself, the present and the future excessively negative and not rational.
3-Investigate and learn about depression
As with any other illness, depression has symptoms, typical behaviors, and stages to go through.
In order to help in a sustainable and effective way the person you want, you have to know each one of these aspects.
Among the various sources of information that the digital age facilitates, asking and speaking personally with a professional is always in force.
In fact, it can be absolutely necessary as each case is particular and there are no infallible rules.
Knowledge is the key to proper treatment and effective support.
This article Will help you to expand information.
4-Do not harass with questions
When you see a loved one suffer, you probably feel a sense of anxiety about wanting to get him out of the pit immediately. You want him to be able to see everything positive in his life and show him the light.
People suffering from depression are usually very misunderstood. People ask you why you are wrong if you have work and financially your things are going well?, or what is really that bad?
That kind of questioning, far from serving anything, further sink the anguished person. Maybe without realizing it, but with these questions you are insinuating that you have no reason to be like that, and yet you are.
Even if your intention is good, do not ask so much and listen more. What a depressed person needs least is to be questioned and blamed for his condition.
Diseases are not chosen, they simply suffer.
5-Do not get angry or take part in negative conversations
Sometimes it can happen that you feel powerless and that leads to some anger.
You may wonder how you can not see the good things in your life, for which you should thank and feel happy.
Be patient, and think that the depressed can not think like you. If he could do it he would not be sick and would not need help.
When a person is going through a depression, the world becomes completely negative for him. It is as if he had glasses on which only he sees the"black"color.
Have patience when listening to the"infinite misfortune"that lives and tries to change the direction of the conversation.
Whenever your friend or relative tells you that this or that is going wrong in your life, try to show delicately that other aspects nevertheless go well.
Negative dialogues feed and trigger negative thoughts. On the contrary, the positive ones generate positive thoughts .
Look for pleasant conversational themes, and do not talk about the scourges problems of humanity or other unfortunate facts.
Sometimes without realizing it you may find yourself talking about people who are hungry or the decline of the world economy.
Although you are absolutely right in the world, it is not the right circumstances to talk about it.
It is also important not to judge, but to fully accept the person.
Finally, reinforce when your family member is encouraged or talk about positive issues; Be more likeable or lively to interact with him.
6-Express directly that you are to help
That the depressed person feel and listen again and again that he is not alone in his illness is key.
Not only is it important because it is a show of affection on your part, but because you will feel that you are not underestimating the disease.
"I know this is difficult for you, but I am by your side, to help you."
That this message between again and again through different channels will be very effective for the depressed person to understand that there is an exit.
7-No d is tips
Giving advice when someone is depressed is not a good idea. Here it is key to distinguish between giving advice and helping make a decision .
When the person reaches the degree of being depressed more than advice, he needs a rope to hold on to.
Giving advice is to suggest that you do something, but most likely you are not yet in a position to do it alone.
The best way to help someone who is depressed is to accompany him to do things for example.
Instead of saying"you should go for a walk that afternoon is very beautiful", go find that person and go with him / her to walk.
Look for a way to dissuade it if you see that it offers resistance, but never leave it alone in the action of choosing, as it is very likely that it will not.
8-Try to know what the thoughts of the depressed person
This is not just about knowing if the person is thinking about suicide.
The goal goes beyond this, but equally always keep in mind that a depressed person can be a Suicidal potential .
Although the common denominator of a depressive state is anxiety, negative thoughts And discouragement, there can also be times when the person feels better.
In these mood swings, you can take advantage to inquire about what you are thinking.
It may be an opportunity to discover what are the things that can lift her out of that agonizing depressive state.
9-Plan a program of activities
To help a person who is depressed it is desirable that you have an agenda of activities.
What does it mean? Always keep in mind a list of things to do and places to go.
Of course this agenda does not have to do with who is suffering from the disease, because it would mean a burden that can not be borne.
10-Be generous
If you really want that friend or family member and you want him to overcome this illness, then give him the priority. This means putting what is best for him, your particular interests.
And it's not just about giving you thousands of tips, but dedicating time and attention, listening to what you have to say.
When discouragement also comes to you, think that this is temporary and that you are the one who has the role of leader. Helping a person with depression It is not an easy task.
However, these tips can be very useful, so do not wait any longer and implement them immediately to help that person you love.
And what have you done to help? I am interested in your opinion. Thanks!
References
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