Supporting and encouraging someone who is dealing with a mental health issue is not easy, but it plays an important role in assisting them in their recovery. Understanding depression can be complexed due to the various ways it can present itself and how it can steal an individual’s life.
Depression is a serious mental health disorder, but it is also treatable. Depression affects millions of people, and not only does it affect the individual who is suffering from depression but also their loved ones who are around them. You can read more about depression here.
Watching a loved one deal with depression is uncomfortable and painful. You may experience various emotions and conflicted emotions too. Some emotions that may present itself include guilt, anger, fear, frustration, sadness and even helplessness. Making sure that you take care of your own health is a priority as taking care of a person who is dealing with depression can be overwhelming. Understanding your own emotions and knowing that your feelings are normal is a step in helping others.
Talk to Them to Relieve Their Depressive Symptoms
Though it can be a challenging experience, supporting someone with depression can be crucial in how they recover. You may be someone they trust and can depend on and talk to. Therefore, you would be able to help them cope with their symptoms by providing them options and helping them reframe their thoughts. You can spend time with them and be a partner for them in activities that they may be willing to do that can bring some enjoyment in their life.
Seek Therapy for Depression
When supporting someone who is dealing with depression, you can encourage them to seek therapy and help them make their appointment while also assisting them to make sure they attend their sessions by checking in on them, driving them, staying in the waiting room for them etc. Whatever is comfortable for them and for you.
Practice Self-Care to Care for Your Loved One
While you are being there and helping your loved one or friend, do not forget to look out for yourself and to take care of your own emotional health and practice self-care. This is essential in order to help others and to prevent burnout or resentment
Helping someone with depression is challenging and sometimes they may not want help. This can be frustrating when you are there and putting effort in and willing to do things. However, understand that the depressed individual is likely too exhausted to do anything about how they feel due to depression draining their energy and motivation. They are likely to too exhausted by mentally trying to get through the next thing or day.
Some challenges that come with dealing with someone with depression can take a toll on the helper. Make sure to check in with yourself and to remind yourself that the depressed individual is battling depression and that it will take time for them to recover. Each step no matter how big or small is a rewarding step to recovery and just know that being with them on their journey to recovery is rewarding and that they will appreciate it.
