Depression can easily rob us of hope, energy and passion for life, stealing our peace of mind and happiness.

Getting out of it isn’t a quick fix, but it can definitely be done. Here are 5 tips to follow when you’re helping a loved one out of this mental challenge. Remember, they key to helping them lies in love and a lot of patience.

Do: Know That Depression Isn’t Sadness

 

Fatigue, confusion and sleep deprivation—these are all symptoms, and not the actual problem. If your loved one is going through depression, they can’t simply ‘snap out of it’ at your request.

It can be hard to be nice to someone who keeps snapping at you, but that’s the only way you can help them get better.

Do: Help Them Eat Right

 

Someone going through depression needs a diet to combat it—this means minimal skipped meals, low sugar and refined carbs, and a boost in vitamin B12 and Omega-3 Fatty acids.

 

Don’t: Say You’ve Given Up

 

Taking care of a depressed loved one who often lashes out at you is no joke. But don’t let the frustration get to you. A single “I can’t deal with this anymore” from you can send them spiraling back to where they started, negating all the progress made since then.

Your words carry quite some power; use them to build up, not break down. Speaking of which…

Do: Validate Irrational Thought When Necessary

 

Someone going through a state of depression may live in their own version of reality. Instead of arguing rationality, show that you’re there to listen and provide unconditional support.

Logic comes later.

Do: Encourage Them To The Things They Love

 

Even though you can’t force someone to actually have fun, you can encourage them to get out and do things they used to love, before depression hit. You’d be surprised at how much this simple change of environment can help.

Follow these simple do’s and don’ts when helping a loved one make it out of depression. Do not lose your patience or belittle the horrible experience they’re going through, and you’ll help them deal with it better.

References:

https://everydayfeminism.com/2015/03/supporting-people-with-depression/

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/coping-with-depression.htm