It’s hard to see your loved ones living with depression. There are ups and downs in everyday life. But, with a depressed person, it is often towards the latter. Someone with depression feels irritable and angry at every little thing. It makes us feel clueless and helpless as they deem us as not understanding or not loving enough.
This article guides you through 7 ways to help your loved ones from depression. If you want to know more about depression, its risks, and how to prevent getting depression in the first place, you may click on this link. A gentle reminder, everyone is unique. So, you may need to take a different approach than the one suggested in this post.
The 7 Ways To Help Your Loved Ones From Depression are:
- Listen Well & Speak Kindly To Them
- Support them in their daily routine
- Create a routine
- Help them get treatment
- Be alert on the progress of treatment
- Get into activities that give meanings to life
- Relapse might happen
1. Listen Well & Speak Kindly To Them
A depressed person is sensitive. Because of the stigma often associated with depression, a depressed person will be wary to open up and speak about their feelings. When conversing with them, listen carefully to what they have to say. Give them more time to speak freely even if it hurts you to listen to them. Hold the urge to say something before they finish talking.
Once they finish talking, pause a moment before you start talking. Be kind when speaking to them, use kinder words, and be gentle in your approach. They may say something factually wrong emotionally. Be patient, their version of truth may be wrong but their feelings are genuine. Don’t be critical of them when correcting them. The most unsupportive thing you can do to a depressed person is give them lectures about being positive.
False positivity itself is toxic. Don’t tell them they don’t have to be sad or snap out of it. They understand everything – they want to live and be happy. They just need your help and support.
2. Support Them In Their Daily Activities
When your loved ones get depression, often they will lose their ability to function normally. They might neglect their personal needs such as taking a bath or eating on time.
For example, if a housewife gets depressed. Upon returning from work, a husband may find his house in a messy state. Instead of getting angry at his depressed wife, a husband should help to do everything he can to organize the house. Do the laundry, and wash the dishes. They will appreciate your act of service.
3. Create A Routine
To avoid unnecessary conflict with your loved ones. Avoid any surprises that may annoy or overwhelm them. Create a daily routine that they can follow without making them feel tired. Incorporate working out or exercise as a part of their daily routine. Physical activities such as exercising will release endorphins in their brain that reduce stress and make them happy.
4. Help Them Get Treatment
Medical communities have made a lot of progress in developing treatment for depression. Yet, your loved ones may be reluctant to come for treatment because of the stigma imposed by our society on depression. Be a loving volunteer and find help for them.
When explaining the reason for them to go to a psychiatrist, use kind words to describe their condition. When going to the psychiatrist, go with them. Show them that you really care and are willing to sit through the sessions with them.
5. Be Alert On The Progress Of Treatment
Start to look for progress once your loved ones get their first treatment. Write a journal to document their progress. Important things to note are their body language and habits.
The positive impact of treatment includes changes in their body language when they talk to you. They will be confident in looking you in the eyes when talking to you. They will start taking care of themselves. But, if the treatment is not working, their conditions may deteriorate. If that’s the case, reconsider getting professional help somewhere else.
6. Get Into Activities That Give Meanings To Life
Encourage them to get involved in activities that fulfill their heart such as joining an NGO. Suicidal thoughts are persistent in the mind of a depressed person. They may feel like there is no use for them in this world. By joining these activities, they will feel fulfilled and have a purpose in this world.
7. Relapse Might Happen
There’s always a chance that your loved ones may have a relapse of depressive disorder even after recovering from it. It may happen due to several triggers such as overwhelming stress or trauma.
Identifying these triggers is important. Keep out objects associated with past mental stress from your household. Avoid bringing them to locations or to a movie that could overwhelm them. If a relapse happens, be calm and communicate kindly to them.
Conclusion
It can be scary and intense when your loved ones get depressed. You have to be on your toes at all times. No matter how hard it is, never neglect your own welfare during this moment of life. By taking care of yourself, you will be better prepared to help your loved ones recover from depression. Navigating life with them is a tough journey but it can also be a source of fulfilment and joy when you see them recover.
If you need more information or professional help. You may contact:
Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association (MIASA) Malaysia at 1-800-180-066 or email them at info.miasa@gmail.com.
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