The depression It is a common emotional disorder, affecting millions of people around the world. It can represent a major health problem if it occurs recurrently and is between moderate and severe in intensity.
When a friend or family member suffers from depression, we always wonder how we can help them, and often we don’t know exactly how to do it. Below, we set out some information and tips that can help in such circumstances.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Not all people develop the same symptoms when they suffer from , but these may be some warning signs:
- Sadness, desire to cry,…
- Irritability, frustration, sometimes unjustified.
- Loss of motivation and interest in things that previously stimulated the person (from sports to sexual relations).
- Loss of appetite.
- Insomnia or sleeping excessively.
- Tiredness and low energy.
- Anxiety, restlessness.
- Feelings of guilt.
These problems, mixed with others that may appear, affect, sometimes in a very pronounced way, daily activities related to work, school, social relationships, etc.
What can I do to help that family member or friend with depression?
- Suggest that he search Professional Help, a psychologist or a mental health professional. He must understand that his problem can be overcome through specialized help. Find out about this disorder and what the treatment possibilities are.
- Offer your help to prepare the first consultation or to accompany the family therapy sessions if this is the case.
- Pay attention to any complications or symptom that the problem is getting worse.
- Help him discover the specific problems that make you feel bad to find a way to deal with them. Sometimes people with depression are not able to identify them; At other times, yes. But talking about it may make it easier to find relief or a solution.
- Share activities that can be motivating for that person. Without forcing, just encouraging her to do them.
- Avoid phrases like “cheer up,” “you don’t look sad.”, “you have no reason to be like this”… Nobody chooses to be depressed, many people try to put on a good face while “the procession goes on inside” and nobody is able to cheer up in that state, they cannot simply change the chip. It is more important to motivate and offer support so that he can overcome the problem, that he understands that he counts on you and that you are willing to talk and lend a hand.
- Don’t criticize or judge her. On the contrary, try strengthen your self-esteem. Recognize every attempt and every step you take to move forward. Remind him of his qualities and how much potential he has.
- Help him reduce stress in their daily environment. Routines, a minimum of organization and schedules (meals, sleep, physical activity…) can help you have a greater sense of security and control.
- Talk to her about the benefits and drawbacks of changing your situation. And if there is motivation for it and willingness to make the effort, you can set goals that are achievable, change certain habits that can lead you to feel better.
- You must be very alert to any suicide idea or alarm sign in this sense and be able to address the issue so that he understands how important he is as a person to you and to the people in his circle.
- Caring for a person with depression is hard. You must seek help in your environment and take steps to combat your exhaustion and frustration. It is important that the caregiver takes care of themselves, that they can disconnect with some frequency.
- You must have a lot patience and maintain a positive spirit, since the symptoms of depression improve with treatment, but it can take a long time. It all depends on the case and how you respond to therapy.
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