A person living with a depressed individual might feel neglected and deprived and in turn, adopt an indifferent approach. At times, he or she might feel like walking on the eggshells due to the attitude and response of the depressed person. However, it’s important to understand that with a little care and some effort, the relationship can be salvaged. Here are some measures that can be taken to expand support to a depressed person:
Attempting to be there together: Depression can get painful for the depressed individuals and their nearest and dearest. Nonetheless, an individual can still provide support by holding hands, providing reassurance that everything will be okay through the eyes by providing a gentle back rub. An individual may also say comforting words like,”You aren’t alone in this,””We will find out a way together” or”You are so important to me.”
Trying small loving gestures: Some people are not very comfortable with emotional expressions. They can still extend their support by trying gestures such as packing a lunch for the person who is depressed, leaving a care or a love note in the lunch box, sending them a text after regular intervals, helping them with the laundry, doing grocery shopping for or with them, Chattanooga Wildlife Removal, accompanying them for a walk, etc..
Avoid judging or criticizing: It can be very tempting to tell a depressed person he or she’s overreacting or lacking a perspectivenonetheless, these words may puncture a individual’s self-esteem. Thus, these have to be avoided Depression is a serious mental disorder that can not be won over with a change in outlook or by developing strong willpower. It is necessary that a friend or a loved one validates the feelings and emotions of the depressed person so the latter can think of moving forward.
Paying attention to their self-care: Oftentimes, depressed folks find it tough to focus on their self-care. They might not get out of bed the whole day, might skip meals, might not take shower for days, etc..
Rewarding them rather than punishing: Threatening a depressed person by saying things like,”If you don’t take care of yourself, eat dinner, sleep in time, I will end this relationship,” is a merciless method of telling them that they are awful. Instead, one should use statements which are rewarding and encouraging at the same time like”Oh! You are up early, will we go for a run?” It is important for a friend or a loved one to help them question these thoughts empirically. For instance, if they say,”I am worthless,” or”I’m dreadful,” one must ask them softly what makes them think like that and this discussion ought to be helpful in breaking the negative patterns.
Depression is curable
Depression is treatable and you must never challenge the power of treatment. Despite the fact that the self-help and support systems can help in the symptom alleviation, not one can be as beneficial as treatment like cognitive behavioral treatment and medication. Therefore, one must help the gloomy to seek treatment.