How to deal with people suffering from depression

Depression is a mental health issue that most people are not able to speak about due to the harsh judgment by people in the society

Piece by: SHEILA MWAURA
Lifestyle

• There are many things that you could learn about mental health that may help you in the future and also the people around you.

• Remember them getting treatment that's only professional help, you need to be there for them.

Sad, tears
Depression Sad, tears
Image: Photos for class

Depression is a mental health problem that is hard and can be quite lonely when going through it or if a friend/ family is going through it.

It can be quite complicated how to approach a person suffering from depression; You have to be careful with what you say and how you treat them.

Millions of people suffer from depression every other day. Speaking about mental health and educating ourselves about it is the best way of knowing how to deal with it.

Here are some of the Dos and Don't of how to support someone with depression;

What to DO ;

Educate

Ensure to educate yourself on mental health; it is important to learn the key things on how to speak to someone with depression.

Having a little bit of knowledge about someone with depression that's a step closer to supporting them

There are many things that you could learn about mental health that may help you in the future and also the people around you.

With this, it will be easy to navigate in your community and around the people who are close to you.

Patience

This is a very important trait that you should have.

A person suffering from depression goes through good days and bad days, and they'll need someone who can be patient with them during those episodes.

It can be hard to be as patient as you could be but this will test how well you can support them.

Anti-depressants may take time before they can start working out for them and before they get to a better place it is your time to make them feel better.

Check in

Always check in with your friends, you may never know what they are going through until you speak to them.

This is a key point in ensuring that their emotions are intact.

A person with mental health problems needs someone to speak to and express how they feel; it may take some time they are open with you but don't throw in the towel.

Support them in their treatment

Them getting treatment does not mean that is the end of the journey with them.

Remember them getting treatment that's only professional help, you need to be there for them.

A close person to them being supportive and attentive to their needs will help them even get closer to feeling better and getting well soon.

What not to do;

You can't cure

There is nothing wrong with wanting the best for a friend who is going through a mental problem, but you need to understand that you can't cure them.

Sad, tears
Depression Sad, tears
Image: Photos for class

Depression is a complex issue that needs more than a friend to help; a professional expert is the best person to work with for them to get better.

So, don't feel like you are of no help you can still be there for the care and be kind to them.

Never Give Up

To be supportive of someone who is constantly having mood swings can be nerve-wracking; you will need to be very strong and patient with them.

You need to comprehend that that’s not their normal self and loving and caring for them will be the best assistance they could get from a friend or family.

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own. Do you agree or disagree?

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