Tips on Help a Family Member Is Having Depression

Some people only want acknowledgment from others that they are available to them. Others appreciate it if you can provide them guidance on their careers or romantic relationships. Someone else could just wish to chat about their thoughts with you for a few hours because they feel at ease doing so. Ask your friend or family member directly if you are unsure of the type of help they require. Furthermore, you ought to pay attention to what they have to say rather than simply what you assume they want to say.

The way sadness makes a person feel is quite normal. Regardless of your understanding of their condition, the person who is suffering from depression is still the same person inside, and you should never judge or make any comments about their conduct because of their mental illness. When discussing depression with friends or family members, try not to pass judgment; don’t make excuses for how miserable they look; and don’t expect them to behave any differently than you’d like them to (since that’s how it feels).

Even if you’ve been a tremendous support to your loved one, you now also need to take care of yourself. Avoid allowing their situation to bring you down along with them by being mindful of your own reactions to what is occurring with them. Keep a positive outlook and assist the individual you are supporting identify their own excellent traits. Even if they have reservations, reassure them that things will improve. You can only do so much; keep in mind that you cannot prevent or cure depression in others; all you can do is be there for them when they need a buddy to depend on, even if that is all they need right now.

Encourage a family member or friend who is experiencing depression to consult a psychologist or psychotherapist so they may obtain the support they need if they don’t already have coping mechanisms in place. Try creative art treatments such as theatre therapy, music therapy, movement therapy, and art therapy workshops if standard mental health therapy is insufficient.

Try not to joke or even make light of someone you know who is depressed. Others may feel uncomfortable as a result, which frequently discourages people from speaking up about their struggles with you or anybody else for that matter. This only appears to make their problems worse. Why would you want her to act in the same way while receiving treatment for depression but you wouldn’t want someone you care about making fun of her weight or anything else that makes her feel different?

It’s critical that you avoid giving your sad friend or family member the impression that their situation is unique. Additionally, they require the assistance of those close to them. Get them interested in whatever activities you prefer, whether they be sports or hobbies, as a result of this. Even if your sad friend or family member doesn’t really love doing everything with you, encourage them to participate in and just keep doing things as a group.

7. Let them know you love them.

Depression is a lonely condition and it’s important that those around the depressed person know they are loved – and that they should not feel ashamed of anything. You have to show them you care and support them in order for the relationship to work; don’t be afraid to show your emotions in front of your friend or family member. If they see you’re human with flaws, they will realize they’re not alone.

8. Show kindness even if they don’t.

Although you might occasionally want to be angry or frustrated with your sad friend or family member, try not to let it get the better of you. Depression is a very delicate illness. If only for a short while at a time, keep in mind that this is simply a phase and that ultimately the person you know will return to their former self.

9. Do not believe that you owe them anything.

It is up to the depressed individual and their therapist to take things forward; depression is not an issue of right or wrong. You can’t predict when or how long someone will be depressed, so don’t anticipate that they will start to feel better after a specific amount of time. You are not to blame for their state of affairs or their response to it; they alone are.

Read More: 6 Healthy Habits to Improve Your Mental Health

10. Let go of the shame.

Someone you know having depression is not their fault. Let it go if you’ve done everything you can to assist them. If you don’t, both you and them will suffer as a result. You won’t know how incorrect you’re thinking until it’s too late, but you’ll start to feel that you’re not helping them enough or that they should be appreciative of your help.