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Family and friends can help for sure. Since the depressed person feels helpless and weary, he is likely to be open to help and to be needy of other people’s support. Yet, it is hard for outsiders who have never suffered from depression before, to fully understand what this person is going through. Therefore, it is not unreal that friends or relatives hurt that person unintentionally by things they say or do.
The best thing to do for a person with a depression, is making sure he is diagnosed correctly and treated accordingly. For instance, you may support him during the treatment by encouraging him to continue the Bach flower essences, eventhough the symptoms have much lessened. Sometimes you need to give that person a shove in the back and urge him to seek help with a therapist or doctor. At the beginning, it is very important to a depressed person, that he is guided and monitored.
Another important way to help is by offering emotional support. This helping hand can be offered through listening, showing patience and empathy, and encouragement. Try starting a conversation and make sure he does not pine away in a corner. Listen attentively to what he is saying and be alert to signals which point out suicidal thoughts. Speak about the depression realistically and always be encouraging.
Ask the depressed person to go to the pictures, go for a walk or out to dinner. Do no react emotionally if your offer is being turned down, but be understanding and try again later. It is important that the contact to the outside world is maintained. Stimulate your friend or relative to resume activities which he used to take great pleasure in, such as going to see a football match or tennising, or visiting musea or practising a particular hobby actively again. Make sure, however, that you do not push that person too hard. Accept the depressed person’s pace and be understanding. Too much pressure only aggravates depression.
Do not accuse the person of laziness or feigned illness. Do not expect him to be happy and cheerful again all of a sudden either. It is a process which takes time. Keep on supporting your friend or relative and assure him that in time he will make a full recovery.
Bach flower essences help against depression. Should you want to know more, click “depression”.
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