Depression is a dangerous mental or mood disorder that causes persistent lack of interest or bad feeling.
It is a silent killer that if not taken seriously and prevented in its early stages, it can even lead to death.
When your spouse, friend or family member suffers from depression, your support can be encouraging and lead to the recovery from the situation.
However, if you fail to deal with the situation, it can affect you also. This article will give you the guidelines on the necessary actions you can take to help the depressed recover from that ill situation. But first, it is good to know the symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Outbursts and irritability, insomia and hypersomnia, lack of interest in daily activities, fatigue or energy loss, persistent death thoughts, indecisiveness almost everyday, emptiness, sadness and hopelessness.
How To Treat A Depressed Person
a) Have Compassionate Listening
If your loved one tends to internalize emotions, he or she might feel overwhelmed when you share your concerns about possible symptoms of depression.
The best thing you can do in the moment is use compassionate listening. Your loved one’s depression is not for you to fix, but being present and listening to your loved one talk can help that person feel heard and understood.
b) Be Helpful
Depression can make everyday tasks, like driving and grocery shopping, feel impossible. Ask your loved one how you can help in small ways:
1) Help schedule appointments
2) Provide a ride to and from appointments
3) Grocery shop and do other tasks with your friend
4) Offer to take walks together a few times a week
5) Ask if you can help around the house
6) Offer to go watch movies or get out of the house together
C) Crisis intervention
The risk of suicide exists at all times during major depressive episodes. The most consistent risk factor is a past history of suicide attempts, but most completed suicides are not preceded by unsuccessful attempts.
Living alone, being male, and having prominent feelings of hopelessness also increase the risk of suicide.
If you believe your loved one is at risk of suicide, do not leave that person alone. Dial 9-1-1 and stay with your loved one.
d) Take care of yourself
Caring for a loved one with depression can be complicated and overwhelming. Be sure to attend to your own personal needs, create appropriate boundaries, and seek help from a therapist or support group.