Help a friend with depression
In order to help a friend who is suffering from depression, you first need to understand what they are going through. What you can do to help them depends mostly on the degree or severity of the depression. Is the depression mild, moderate or severe?
Depression can last for months or years depending on the person. The majority of depression sufferers respond well to treatment. There are numerous methods and medicines available that offer varying degrees of effectiveness. The key is finding the right one or the right combination. Complete recovery is often achieved.
Understanding Depression
Realize that people with real depression didn't choose to be that way on purpose. It is true that their lifestyle may have contributed to the problem, but nobody chooses this condition on purpose.
- They can't just choose to snap out of it and all of a sudden be back to normal.
- People don't think and react normally when suffering from depression.
- They probably feel ashamed of themselves for being this way.
- You can't just say something to cheer them up and make it go away.
Help a friend with mild or moderate depression
If the depression is bad enough, you'll want to try to encourage them to see a doctor. If it seems rather mild, there are things that you can do to help.
- Let them know that you are there for them and willing to listen whenever they need to talk.
- Be supportive. Don't say things like "You wouldn't be this way if....."
- Encourage them to talk with you about what they are going through or any other things they want to talk about.
- You could compose and send a letter to their regular doctor explaining what you think is going on. At the person's next visit, the doctor could screen him or her for depression. Ask the doctor to keep the letter a secret if you feel it is necessary.
- Nagging the person to change or get help will not work. You are likely to just add to the problem.
- Remember your friend is very likely feeling ashamed of himself or herself for being this way. It is extremely difficult for some people to admit to anyone that they have a real problem.
- Whenever possible, help your friend to avoid negative environments and negative people.
- Keep conversations with them upbeat and positive. Don't sit around and complain about everything.
- Pay subtle compliments to him or her without patronizing them. If they are overweight and have intentionally lost weight, make sure you tell them that you have noticed how much better they look.
- Help them to avoid watching those talk shows on tv that focus on people with screwed up lives.
Help your friend with severe depression
If you know someone who has severe depression, it is important to try to get them medical help as soon as possible.
- Try contacting your friend's primary doctor, if you know who it is.
- Try contacting one of their family members if you think they might be able to help.
- Suicide Hotline 1-800-784-2433 Call if you think your friend might be suicidal.