How to Help a Friend With Depression?
Do’s And Dont’s
There are many things this pandemic has effected, one of those is our mental health. People who hardly had any mental health issues are also facing difficulty in keeping themselves mentally well. In other words, this makes it clear how difficult it is for people who are suffering from illnesses like Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Panic attacks, Schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s. Their conditions are already quite complicated to survive with, and this pandemic has just made things harder. Our monotonous routine and static lifestyle have made livelihood dull and tedious.
Today 43% of Indians suffer from depression. And 1 out of 4 teenagers are affected by depression. Recently many experts have said that lockdown depression may overlap with seasonal depression. And this is why it very important we check on our loved ones and get them the help, they need. Sometimes a conversation itself is enough nonetheless other times professional assistance is required. Depression is a silent killer that is lurking around and we need to address this, Here’s how to help:
Before you help out a person suffering from depression, it necessary for you to understand what exactly happens. How do they feel and manage daily life is something we should know.
Depression: A mental health disorder characterised by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. It is when a person is facing extreme low moods and is always gloomy.
Seasonal Affective Depression: A mood disorder characterised by depression that occurs at the same time every year. This type of depression only takes place during winter at places where winter lasts longer. The cold atmosphere and long nights affect many as they face the winter season.
Another thing to remember is that depression acts differently for every person. Depression is of different types that are mild, moderate and severe. However, if you don’t see major signs of depression that doesn’t nullify that the person is suffering from depression.
How To Help:
Do’s
Be A Ear: Many times people just want someone to listen to their problems, they want to talk it out, this helps a lot so try spending some time listening — it helps them.
Be Around: Negligence always adds on to their misery. Try to be around them, this doesn’t mean you should be clingy and invade their space but casually pop in and talk or just smile.
Be A Friend: A lot of times in goodwill we become the cause of the problem by giving them unwanted advice. Just be a friend that is all. They have a therapist who advises them well.
Be There: The most important thing is being there for them, whatever it maybe — be present for it.
Include them: Due to their extremely low mood, they might distance themselves from social gatherings. Try to include them and make them feel like a part of the group.
Don’ts
Don’t disregard their feelings: When they open up about their emotions, let them talk and express. Never shut them in between a conversation.
Don’t spill the beans: If they confide in you about their mental health. Be respectful and keep it to yourself. Don’t feel entitled to pass that information to their friends or family without their knowledge.
What should you know?
The Culture: Many cultures in India and around the world look at mental illness as a taboo. It is essential to know and understand the person’s culture and how they perceive their condition. If they feel that their mental illness is a taboo, you must first educate them about it. This will ease the further process of helping.
The Family: Just like the cultures, Indian households do not take mental health as seriously as a common cold. It is key you know the family and how to address the matter while keeping your friend in the loop.
Informing The Family: It’s always better when the person suffering from the illness open about their condition to their family. But in severe cases where help is urgent, it is important to announce the situation to the family and get help. But make sure your friend is aware of this, going behind their back will not only hurt them but will worsen their illness.
Professional Help: You must be aware of the professional help you are offering someone. Be it just forwarding a doctors number. You must make sure of the qualifications of the doctor, therapist or counsellor. Are they undergrad, postgrad or PhD holders? And most importantly are they licenced by RCI?
Know when to involve professional help: If the symptoms are severe and you notice unusual behaviour its time to involve professional help.
Taking care and looking after a friend, family member, a partner who is affected by depression is mentally very exhausting. Make sure to give yourself a check and break.
Thank you for reading! Have a nice day
