How to help a depressed person || Part 2
As I told you in my previous post, we always talk about the patient, but not about the caregiver. And yes, dear friends, it is not easy to take care of a depressed patient. So here are a few simple tips that can help you as a family member of someone with depression, as well as if you are a thoughtful and conscientious depressed patient who wants to help your caregiver help you.
- Once you identify (and accept) that you have a depressed patient in your care, seek as much information about the disease, and learn, learn a lot about depression.
- Your support can make or break their recovery, so be supportive. Try to be a stabilizing influence, convey strength, not weakness.
- It is very important to listen carefully. A depressed person wants to be understood; not being understood is very frustrating. So if the person wants to talk about his or her feelings, let him or her talk without interrupting.
- Remember, too, that you don't have to have all the answers. Let her know that you are in this together and that you will learn what you need to learn to get through this difficult situation.
- By talking about the difficult situation, don't minimize what is going on. Sometimes we try to downplay this illness, but we don't. It is a real disorder and one that can end. It is a real disorder and it can end a person's life (suicide). Face it with the necessary seriousness, but with strength and fortitude. Depression can be overcome, always remember that.
- Avoid criticizing, or better, eliminate any hint of criticism. Negative criticism is counterproductive and can increase the patient's sense of failure and guilt.
- Stay calm and balanced. I know it is difficult, but you have to be tolerant, as the other person probably will not be. He or she will probably become irritable or behave in an obtuse and intransigent manner.
What do you think of these tips? Have you suffered from depression, are you a family member of someone with this disorder? I'll read you in the comments.
Stay tuned for the third and final part of this series in my next post.
The recommendations expressed in this post are based on my experience and those provided by experts in the field .
Sources consulte:
- Lo que la familia y los amigos necesitan saber sobre la depresión, K Russell T. Joffe, M.D. Folleto editado por Laboratorios Wyeth S.A. Venezuela.
- La Depresión Explicada en pocas palabras. Dr. Elías Silva Hernández pág. 62-64
- (Usted puede vencer la depresión, Revista Prioridades para Hoy, Año 4 – Mayo 2008. Pág. 5. Asociación Publicadora Interamericana (APIA)
IMPORTANT: This article is merely informative. It is not intended to suppress the recommendations of your therapist. Before considering or practicing any of the ideas expressed here, consult your doctor or put them into practice at your own risk.
@garybilbao
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It is certainly very important to be able to maintain calm and balance in this difficult situation of depression.
Greetings and thank you for your valuable post.
That's right, the family member must take care of the patient, but also of him/herself, otherwise he/she may fall into stress or anxiety.
Thanks you for your comment.
Depression is so real, and as you rightly said, it should not be downplayed. We all need somebody to lean on. Thank you @garybilbao for the steps you gave on how to help someone who is depressed.
Hi @garybilbao You must keep in mind that the other person needs you and values you, even though it may not seem like it to you. I know it is difficult to believe that only by listening we are so useful to the other person, the other person only needs you to listen to him/her, without advice or solutions. Good publication, greetings and success.
Totally, sometimes just being there and using our hand to squeeze the person's hand is enough.
Thank you for your comment.