If you are close to a friend, a family member, or a loved one struggling with depression, this situation can also affect you. There is a high number of people living with depression, and this mental condition comes as a result of different things. However, people experience depression differently. Some people are always sad and cry a lot. Others seem hopeless about the future and are always pessimistic about almost everything. Someone with depression can isolate themselves, communicate less and get upset often. They may also tell you how worthless, guilty, or empty they feel. It is crucial to ensure a person in this situation gets help. Here is how you can do it.

Talk to Them

Start a conversation with your loved ones and let them know you are there for them. Remember, they may not want to talk about what they are going through. So, don’t pressure them. Your friend may also not want advice from you. Preserve your opinions but speak to them with empathy and validate their feelings.

Seek Therapy

Your friend or loved one may or may not know they are depressed. If they did, they might not know how to get help or whether they need therapy. If you realize they would like to go for counseling, offer help to look at potential therapists like Energetics Institute. Make sure they also attend the sessions and are taking their medication.

Educate Yourself About Depression

Knowing what depression is and how a depressed person behaves or what they need is vital when taking care of them. Know the symptoms and try to understand how they feel. Know the causes of depression, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options. Even if people have different experiences, knowing the general terminologies and symptoms will boost the quality of help you give to your loved one.

Take Good Care of Yourself

When taking care of a depressed person, you may forget about yourself and focus on supporting them. There is nothing wrong with that, but you do not wish to fall into depression too by taking everything to your head. Have time to take care of yourself and do your things. Set boundaries like when your friend can spend time with you. Also, practice self-care and give yourself time to recharge.

Help Them with Daily Tasks

A person dealing with depression can feel less energetic such that completing daily tasks is a problem. Simple things like paying their bills, shopping for groceries, or laundry can be challenging. You can offer to help with some of these tasks, and your friend will appreciate it. Ask them how you can help and keep your promises.

Be Patient

If your friend or loved one is going through treatment, be patient with them. Depression will improve with time, but it can also be slow. Even after completing their treatment, your loved one may have episodes of depression symptoms. What you need to do is remain patient and understand them.

Want to Help Your Loved One with Depression?

These are essential ways of helping a loved one or a friend if they are dealing with depression. Make sure you are there for them ad seek support. At Energetics Institute, we guide and treat our patients suffering from depression and ensure they go back to their normal life.