How can I help a friend who is depressed around me?
Today, depression and depression have become a common psychological problem and disease that can affect everyone. So, if there are relatives and friends around us who are suffering from depression, how can we properly help them?
- Don’t underestimate the power of companionship.
Experts say that you may not feel the other person needs your company, but simply being there for the depressed person to remind him that he is special to you will ensure he doesn't feel lonely.
If he admits to being depressed, that's a good sign. "Confessing about the things you're ashamed of will make things better."
Don't try to make him happy or give him advice. You may be tempted to remind the other person to look at the good things, like he has an enviable job or a cute child.
As a supporter, your job is not to make him happy, but to admit that the situation is really bad and their pain is real. You might try saying, "It sounds like your life is really unbearable."
If you want to say something positive, you should emphasize what he means to you. And, while you might be tempted to offer some advice to improve the other person's life, it's much better to simply be a listener.
- Make the first appointment as easy as possible.
Maybe you've told your depressed friend many times that they still haven't made an appointment for professional psychotherapy or counseling.
This might mean sitting next to your friend when he calls to make an appointment and helping him find an affordable counseling service. Or, if you don't feel sick, just stay with him during his first visit.
If you're not sure if you should see a psychotherapist or psychiatrist, or if you're not finding the right person, ask a doctor around you to refer you, and one will guide you to other doctors. If the first date doesn't help, trust your instincts and ask others for advice.
- Take care of yourself and set boundaries.
When our friends and relatives are down, they can be uncharacteristically mean and self-centered. When they stir up a dispute, figuring out how to deal with it can be very painful.
For this, you must draw the line with simple and direct language, such as "You sound miserable right now, but you can't curse me."
Additionally, you may find that the demands of your friends take up your time and start sabotaging your other relationships or affecting your work.
This is when you can try to know when you can help and when you can't. You can tell the person, "I know you're struggling, and I want to be there for you. But sometimes, I can't be objective." Then, create a consistent schedule with the person, schedule weekly meetings, and ask the person persist in.
Finally, remember that depression can be cured. When you and your depressed friend are at the center of the problem, it's hard to imagine that this painful period will finally pass. However, you need to remind yourself and your partner that depression can be avoided.