How to help

TESS

A person suffering from depression has a better chance of recovering if he or she has a good social network. Relatives and friends are extremely important when a person is suffering from depression.

The person with depression is helpless in many ways. He or she therefore needs a lot of help and support. You are a very important part in the person's life. A lot of responsibility will often rest on your shoulders, but do not despair because there are many ways in which you can help.

It is also very important that you remember that even though your relative or friend does not have the energy to be outgoing or sociable, your relationship will get back to the way it was.

Self-criticism

If the person is constantly criticizing himself or herself, it can help to say things like "you are a good friend" or "you are a nice person." He or she will undoubtedly not believe what you are saying. Yet people who have suffered from depression often say later that it was still heart-warming and encouraging.

If you suspect that a relative or friend may be suffering from depression, then do ask about the symptoms of the depression. Many people see depression as a mental illness and believe that it leads to confinement to a psychiatric ward. The term "mentally ill" can mean that the person is subject to myths and prejudices. This may also be the reason why the person is afraid to reach out for help.

Help with visits to the doctor

If you suspect that the person is suffering from depression, encourage or persuade him or her to see a doctor. He or she can contact his or her own doctor or a psychiatrist.

Ask the person whether he or she wants you to go with him or her to the doctor. Discussions with the doctor, where you also participate, are very valuable both for the person with depression and for the doctor or psychiatrist. You can give the doctor important information. You can also help to revive the discussion when you and the person get home again. The person with depression will often have a tendency to misunderstand information but when you have been with him or her in the discussion, you can correct his or her misconceptions. You should, however, remember that if the condition of the person with depression is serious, you should immediately take him or her to the nearest psychiatrist or hospital. This is particularly vital if he or she is having suicidal thoughts.

Emotional support

You can give emotional support first and foremost by just being there beside the person with depression, even if you do not know what to say or do. The person with depression will often say, when he or she has recovered, that he or she felt comforted when you were there, reassuring and listening to him or her.