7 Techniques to Help a Person Suffering from Depression
7 Techniques
to Help a Person Suffering from Depression
The following are seven ways to
help a person who is suffering from depression.
1.
Providing
company will help distract any depressive thoughts. You should encourage the
individual to talk to you, and you in turn should listen attentively. Help that
person to develop more social contacts as and involve them in your daily
activities. Establish an effective role in helping them. Try not to reprimand
them. You should remind that person of the realities of life, but also offer
encouragement. You should seek professional advice if you find that this is
becoming too difficult for you.
2.
A
very important part of the recovery process is helping the patient to find
treatment. The treatment should be continued until the symptoms have improved.
If you do not see any improvement after a certain type of treatment, it is best
to try another kind.
3.
Another
thing which can speed up the recovery of the patient is emotional support. You
must display patience, understanding, encouragement and affection.
Nevertheless, make sure that you do not demand too much from them. Doing so
could cause them to lapse back into depression.
4.
If
the patient seems to be lapsing back into depression, there could be changes
that indicate an increase in the levels of depression. The best way to help
someone who is depressed is to encourage them to continue seeking treatment.
5.
5
Someone who is depressed appreciates your help, although they may not say so.
This is why you should not distance yourself from the individual as it could
cause them to feel isolated and cause disintegration in their social system.
6.
You
must try to motivate the patient; this will help reduce feelings of
hopelessness. Often people suffering from depression find it hard to visit with
a therapist and follow a set routine. You should try to help the person make
lifestyle changes such as eating healthier foods, or developing an exercise
routine.
7.
It
might be necessary to accompany the patient in his/her therapy sessions in order
to help them maintain a routine.
8.
Depression
therapy from a psychiatrist/psychologist is important. It will help the patient
to understand where their psychological problems are coming from, and also help
them to resolve these problems. A psychiatrist or psychologist knows which kind
of therapy will be effective in helping the individual.
Finally, a good tip is to ask
the person suffering from depression what they would enjoy doing. Maybe you
could do things that make you happy or that make you laugh. Even if it is only
for a short while, it will go a long way in helping them.
Once again, remember that it is
possible for people to recover from depression. In addition, they go on to lead
happy worthwhile lives. Do not be afraid to seek help.