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IWill 2021-06-17 01:35 - 2 minute read

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5 ways to help your loved one struggling with depression

IWill expert Articles

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood, loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress. Increasingly, research suggests that these factors may cause changes in brain function, including the altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.

Depression, therefore, is a disorder! A person doesn’t choose to be depressed! They can’t snap out of it! If you have a loved one who is going through the signs mentioned above or diagnosed already with depression, here are the 5 things you should do to help them: 

 

1. Help them getting professional help

Nothing is more important than this. Therapists trained in CBT can help a person step by step understand one’s depression better, alter and change thoughts and beliefs that are holding depression together. And also they may need medication too. The first step is to reach out to a professional psychologist/psychotherapist who can help lay out a treatment and management plan for your loved one. For therapy download IWill App from the links on this page

 

2. Don’t label them and don’t blame them 

It’s a total no-no to say things like, you are lazy, you are draining us, you don’t even try, you don’t let others help you, you are being difficult etc. 

Depression impacts moods and behaviors. It’s the nature of their illness. Be with them instead. Rather than labeling them or blaming them, just hold them and offer them a non-judgemental listening space. 

 

3. Encourage them to be active socially and mentally and physically 

Sometimes being for them, we feel we must do everything for our loved ones. This unfortunately makes them duller. Encourage them instead to do their daily activities. Give them space and time to get there and support them in this. The more active they slowly get, the better it is. Remember though, we are not to blame them if they can’t, we need to encourage them, help them. 

 

4. Offer empathy and compassion 

Your words matter. If you show them love, kindness, and care, it will give them some purpose. They may appear unaffected but love and compassion does heal.

 

5. Don’t give up on them 

Depression may take time but it does get better and most people can return to their normal life when given the right professional help and care. So don’t give up on them. They will be fine. 

Lastly having a family member or a loved one who has depression, can be emotionally draining and isolating for you too. Don’t hesitate to seek help, maintain a good social routine for yourself, take good care of your health! 

 

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