Description
This article is from the Depression
FAQ, by Cynthia Frazier with numerous contributions by
others.
48 How can family and friends help the depressed person?
The most important things anyone can do for depressed people is to
help them get appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This may involve
encouraging a depressed individual to stay with treatment until
symptoms begin to abate (several weeks) or to seek different
treatment if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require
making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person to the
doctor. It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person is
taking medication.
The second most important thing is to offer emotional support. This
involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement.
Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do
not disparage feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer
hope. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Always report them to the
doctor. Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the
movies, and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation
is refused. Encourage participation in some activities that once gave
pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities,
but do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon.
The depressed person needs diversion and company. but too many
demands can increase feelings of failure. Do not accuse the depressed
person of faking illness or laziness or expect him or her to "snap
out of it." Eventually, with treatment, most depressed people do yet
better. Keep that in mind, and keep reassuring the depressed person
that with time and help, he or she will feel better.
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