If there is one thing that you need to advocate in life, it is to help people who are suffering from depression. Keep in mind that someone who has a mental condition has a high potential of hurting himself or causing violence to other people. As such, it is crucial on your part to learn the top ways on how you can help or assist someone with depression. Psychology tells us that depression is not an easy thing to handle, which is why you need to exert more efforts in reaching out to the person involved.
Before anything else, you need to understand fully that you can never make yourself available to others if you are also having troubles with your mental condition. Understand that “Loneliness is an epidemic, We’re the most socially connected society, yet so many people experience extreme loneliness.” says psychologist Amy Sullivan, PsyD. Because of this, you must first fix all your problems and issues before you can advocate for those suffering from the depression. Take note that there is no way that you can assist others if you are also wallowing in extreme loneliness and grief.
When you think you are mentally stable to extend help to others, make sure to follow these tips:
Learn More About Depression
The initial step that you must consider is to study depression, including its signs and symptoms. It is best if you will educate yourself about this mental condition so that you will not have a hard time handling the issues of other people. You need to know what triggers depression and what is the best way to combat it. At the same time, you have to remind yourself that every person has a different story. As such, you cannot make one conclusion about depression just by merely interacting with one individual. You have to make yourself available for as many people as possible so that you can extend your helping arms to them.
Be Available At All Times
Are you aware that one of the reasons why people become more depressed is because they do not have someone to talk to. They allow their thoughts and feelings to bring them down because they have no outlet where they can let all negativity come out. “We all experience these ups and downs, and most of the time we get through the downs and move on to better times. But for many of us certain situations at can trigger an episode of depression and make us feel a hopelessness that won’t go away.” Dr. Kurt Smith, LMFT, LPCC, AFC said. So if you genuinely want to help an individual who is suffering from depression, then the best thing that you can do is to become available at times. Be ready whenever a close friend or a family member wants to talk to you. You do not need to say anything during the conversations. What is important is that you allow the said person to open up about his problems. Show him that you always have time for him.
Say The Right Words
Another thing that you must always put in mind when it comes to dealing with someone who has depression is the fact that the said individual may be sensitive. “Harsh words are just as damaging whether they come from someone else or whether they come from you,” says licensed psychologist Cindy T. Graham, PhD. You will be surprised to find out how a person with depression can easily get hurt by the deeds of others or the words of the people surrounding him. If you do not want to add burden to the said individual, the ideal thing to do is to see to it that you know what to say when talking to him. Think twice before you utter your words because you may end up hurting him instead of helping him cope up with the mental condition.
Recommend A Therapist
One of the things that you can also do is to give a piece of advice to the said individual. Do not hesitate to recommend a therapist or counselor if you know any. Take note that therapy sessions are effective in treating mental health-related problems such as depression and anxiety. Remind yourself that your goal is merely to give a referral or suggestion to the person concerned. You must not force him in any way to try therapy if he does not want to. You also need to be sensitive in making the recommendation so as not to cause dismay or disappointment to the other person.
Conclusion
You will notice that a depressed individual has too much negativity in his life. Sometimes, it will be challenging for you to handle all the bad vibes to the point that you may also be adversely affected. What you need to do is to see to it that you are also in a perfect mental state. Otherwise, both of you might end up becoming depressed. As such, it is suggested that you also focus on your mental wellness and physical health. Be the best version of yourself before helping others,