How To Help A Loved One Get Out Of Depression, How To Help?

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

How to help a loved one get out of depression, how to help?

Content:

• What to look for
• Features of the fight against depression in men
• How can I help a friend?
• How to avoid becoming a victim of depression yourself?

Depression is a mental disorder that is fairly common these days. This condition is considered dangerous because it is difficult to diagnose and cure. Unfortunately, this is not the only threat. A person facing a mental disorder does not realize that they are trapped in an illness. If you suspect that your relative, friend, or acquaintance has depression, then try to help him. Only the close environment can bring you out of a dangerous state.

What to look for

You don't need to be a professional psychologist to notice signs of depression in a loved one:

• A drastic change in behavior. Not so long ago, you and your loved one had fun together, but now he is no longer happy with life. He repeats about his own failures and the injustice of this world.
• Lack of concern for your appearance. Your relative, friend or acquaintance is no longer interested in how he looks. He does not groom his hair, brush his teeth, or shower.
• Desire for loneliness. A previously active person who had many friends suddenly became withdrawn. Due to depression, he does not leave his home. He sleeps most of the time or just lies on the couch.
• Indifference to what is happening around. Your loved one is no longer interested in anything. He does not strive for anything and does not believe that everything can change for the better.
• Closure. Your loved one used to be very sociable. He often smiled, talked about his plans. Now he avoids communication, does not come to meetings with friends.
• Depression of emotions, depressed mood. Guilt gnaws at your relative, friend or acquaintance. He is irritable and dissatisfied with himself. He is tormented by emotions such as longing and despair.

Depression can occur in absolutely any person. Even life-loving and energetic people with a strong character face this mental disorder. The causes of depression are most often constant setbacks, loss of a loved one, severe overwork.

Features of the fight against depression in men

Most often, women face a mental disorder, as they are very sensitive and emotional. Men are also prone to depression. Their psyche is less plastic than that of women. This is why it is much more difficult for men to help cope with the disorder.

If you notice signs of depression in your friend, boyfriend, or husband, you should talk to him about it. A man must realize that he has a problem. If this does not happen, then he will hardly be able to get out of depression.

How to plan a conversation:

• If you want to get a loved one out of depression, then talk to him. He is unlikely to want to tell you about his problems, but you do not back down. Say that you want to help and that you are worried about his condition.
• Don't let your friend, boyfriend, or husband change the subject. Be persistent.
• Remember that the person you want to help is depressed and very vulnerable. Try not to put too much pressure on him. Be tactful.
• When your friend, boyfriend, or husband realizes they are depressed, ask them what the cause of the mental disorder was. Give advice depending on the answer.

• Offer to seek help from a psychologist. If your loved one is suicidal, then don't leave him alone. Take him to a doctor immediately.

How can I help a friend?

• Women who have experienced depression should be brought to a frank conversation just like men. If you notice signs of mental illness in your friend, talk to her. At the same time, communication should be unobtrusive.
• Turn off your phone before talking to avoid the distraction of calls. During the conversation, encourage your friend, ask her leading questions when an awkward silence occurs. At the end of the conversation, thank her for not being afraid to tell you about her problems.

• Talk to your friend's family and close friends. By rallying, you can quickly bring a woman out of depression (just do not take pessimists and cynics into your team, who can only aggravate the situation). Organize a group support session and invite a friend who is sick. Meeting and talking will give her strength and confidence.
• An effective weapon against mental illness is listening to the interlocutor. When talking with a friend, try not to be surprised by her words. Be prepared for the woman to tell you some scary secrets. If you start to criticize or evaluate her actions, then she will move away and close from you. Try to understand what you have done and accept her point of view.
• Never say words such as “don't pay attention”, “cheer up”. Such advice will not help, because often people in a depressed state consider the situations in which they find themselves hopeless. Better tell your friend that you will help her cope with difficulties and will always be there.
• After the conversation, try to meet more often. If you do not have free time, then call your friend, send her SMS messages or e-mails. By such actions, you will show your loved one that you do not forget about him.
• If your girlfriend is constantly at home, then try to lure her out of the house. Get her interested in something. For example, invite you to the movies for a comedy, or invite you to go to fitness or yoga together. You can just go for a walk in the fresh air.
• Art can play a positive role in relieving depression. Have your friend write a poem, story, or paint a picture. Art will allow her to convey her emotions, feelings and mood, and perhaps she will also discover new talents.
• You can get a person out of depression thanks to tactile contacts. Take your friend by the hand more often. This will show her that she is dear to you. A sick woman will no longer feel unnecessary and lonely.

Your friend may deny that she is depressed. In this case, do not put pressure on her. Just try to be always there. After a while, your friend will understand that you can be trusted. She herself will tell about her problems.

On the subject: 3 medicinal plants to help with depression

How to avoid becoming a victim of depression yourself?

Scientists in the UK from the Institute for Personnel and Human Development consider this mental disorder "the plague of the XXI century." Most often, women are affected, as they are more susceptible to their environment. Men are also susceptible to mental illness, albeit to a lesser extent.

According to experts, depression is highly contagious. It is like a flu or a cold that is easily transmitted from one person to another. You yourself have probably noticed at work how bad mood spreads in a small team. It almost instantly infects people around the person who is suffering from depression. An atmosphere filled with negativity negatively affects everyone.

Helping a relative, friend or acquaintance to get out of a depression, do not fall into the trap of the disease yourself.

To avoid facing a mental disorder, follow these tips:

• Don't be discouraged if you face failure. The black bar will definitely end. Move all problems to the background. Fill your life with positive things.
• Do not become obsessed with the problems of a loved one. You must continue to lead your usual life. Have fun, meet friends, communicate.
• Take care of yourself, your loved one, watch your appearance and lead a healthy lifestyle.
• Do not be alarmed if you feel that you are disturbed by feelings of dissatisfaction and powerlessness. This state is understandable. You help the other person get out of depression, and their negative mood is transmitted to you.

If you notice signs of a mental disorder, see a psychologist. A specialist can help you. If difficulties have arisen in your life, then do not try to hide behind other people's problems. Maintain your sane mind and self. A clear understanding of what is happening to you will be your assistant in the fight against depression.

Author of the article: Sokov Andrey Vladimirovich | Neurologist

Education: In 2005 completed an internship at the IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and received a diploma in Neurology. In 2009, completed postgraduate studies in the specialty "Nervous diseases".