In this post, we will focus on how to help a friend with depression and stress.
Depression is a serious but manageable condition that affects millions of people from all walks of life. It affects everyday life, causing tremendous pain, hurting not just those suffering from it but also impacting everyone around them.
You may feel helpless, frustrated, angry, afraid, guilty, or sad if someone you love feels depressed or stressed. All of these feelings are normal. It can be difficult to deal with the depression of a family member or friend.
Your support and companionship can make a significant difference in your friend’s healing process. Your support can help them overcome depression symptoms and gain energy, optimism, and joy. Begin by researching depression and the best ways to discuss it with a friend or family member. As you reach out to your loved ones, make sure to take care of your emotional well-being as well.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Different people have different signs and symptoms of depression. These symptoms can include:
- Feelings that are sad, depressed, tearful, empty, or hopeless
- Anger outbursts, frustration or irritability, even about small things
- A loss of interest in or enjoyment in any or all normal activities (sex, hobbies, or sports).
- Sleeping too much or insomnia
- You may feel tired and depleted of energy. This makes it more difficult to complete small tasks.
- Appetite changes — decreased appetite, weight loss or increased food cravings and weight gain
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Slow thinking, speaking, or body movements
- Feelings devalued or guilty, guilt or fixation on past failures or blaming others for mistakes that were not your fault.
- Problems with thinking, concentration, decision making, and memory
- Suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or frequent or recurrent references to death, suicide, or suicidal thoughts.
- Unexplained physical issues, such as headaches or back pain, can be difficult to explain.
Depression symptoms can cause significant problems for many people. Others may feel miserable or unhappy, but they don’t know why. Depression can manifest in children and teens as being cranky or irritable rather than being sad.
How To Help A Friend With Depression And Stress?
Remember each person is different, and while these tips to help a friend with depression are a guide, it’s important to talk with your friend about what they feel they need.
1. Be open, friendly, and listen
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what words to use to an anxious friend. Ask your friend how they are doing. What should you do if someone is anxious or depressed?
Start the conversation by asking questions like: “It seems like things are difficult for you lately.” What are you thinking?
If you are trying to discuss sensitive issues with a friend, choose a place and time that is comfortable for you both, where you can be relaxed, and have some privacy. If they aren’t ready to talk, don’t force them. Be there for them when they get upset. While you might not be able to give an answer or provide a solution, it is possible to just listen and offer your support.
Your friend might not be able to accept your help. However, continue to check in with them to let them know you care and are available to them if they need it.
2. Encourage treatment
Depression can be difficult for people to recognize and acknowledge. People with depression may not recognize signs and symptoms and may believe their feelings are normal.
People often feel ashamed of their depression and believe that they can overcome it by willpower alone. Depression is not something that can be fixed without treatment. It may even get worse. The right treatment approach can help the person you love get better.
Here are some ways you can help:
- Discuss your concerns with the person.
- Cclarify that depression is a medical condition and not a personal weakness or flaw. It can usually get better with treatment.
- Invoke professional help, such as a doctor or mental health providers like a licensed counselor or psychologist.
- Help to prepare a list of questions to be discussed in an initial appointment with your doctor or mental healthcare provider.
- Show your willingness to help schedule appointments, attend their sessions, and go along with them.
Contact a doctor if your loved one is suffering from a serious or life-threatening illness.
3. Identify warning signs of worsening depression
Everyone experiences depression differently. Pay attention to your loved one. Find out how depression affects your friend or family member and what you can do if it becomes worse.
These are the issues to consider:
- What are some signs and symptoms that can indicate depression in a friend or relative?
- Which behaviors and language do you use when depression is more severe?
- How do you recognize when your child is performing well?
- What are the factors that can trigger more severe depression episodes?
- Which activities can be most beneficial when depression is worsening?
As soon as you notice signs and symptoms of worsening depression, it is important to get treatment. Encourage your loved one and his or her mental health provider to create a plan of action for when symptoms or signs become severe. Your loved one might need to:
- To discuss changing or adjusting medications, contact your doctor
- Find a psychotherapist such a licensed counsellor or psychologist
- Self-care is important like eating healthy food, getting enough sleep, and being physically active.
4. Learn about suicide risk
Suicide is more common in people with depression. You should be aware that your friend may become suicidal if they are severely depressed. You should take all signs and symptoms of suicidal behavior seriously.
If necessary, take action-
- Discuss your concerns with the person. Find out if they have ever considered suicide or have a plan. A plan is a better indicator of suicide attempts.
- Get help. Talk to your doctor, psychiatrist, or another health care professional. Tell family and close friends.
- Make sure that the person is safe. Remove any items that could be used for suicide attempts. You can lock firearms and other weapons, as well as medications, away from the person.
- Immediate help. If the person is in imminent danger of self-harm, or suicide, Get help immediately.
5. Support your loved one during treatment
To help someone suffering from depression, it is important to show unconditional love and support during the entire process. It takes compassion and patience to deal with the negative emotions, hostility, moodiness, and hostility that come with depression.
Offer any assistance that the person requires (and they are willing to accept it).
- Be realistic. It is frustrating to see a friend or family member struggling, especially if there is slow progress or stagnation. Recovery from depression takes time, even with the best treatment.
- Be an example. Help others to live healthier and more fulfilling life.
- Encourage physical activity. Invite your loved ones to join you for uplifting activities such as going to a movie or eating at a favorite place. Exercise can be especially beneficial. Get your loved one moving. Walking together is a great option. Take care to be gentle and lovingly persistent. Don’t let yourself get discouraged.
6. Be patient
Although depression can improve with treatment, it is not always easy. It may take some time and trial and error. It is possible that they will need to try several different medications or counseling methods before finding the right one.
Even successful depression treatment doesn’t always mean depression goes away entirely. Your friend might still experience symptoms from time to time.
They will probably have good days and bad days. Do not assume that a friend is “cured” if they have a few good days. Also, don’t get discouraged if your friend has a series of bad days.
There is no clear recovery timeframe for depression. It won’t help you or your friend to expect them to go back to normal after a few weeks of therapy.
Conclusion
These were some tips on how to help a friend with depression and stress. In order to overcome stress and depression, don’t forget to look for a psychologist’s help.
You can be a great friend if you are willing to help someone with anxiety or depression. It can be difficult to know how to help someone suffering from depression or anxiety. Or what to tell someone going through a tough time. These tips can only be used as a guide. It’s important to discuss with your friend what they feel is most important when helping someone with anxiety or depression. Contact Dr. Neha Mehta if your friend is suffering from depression and stress.
Also, Read
How to Make Friends? 7 Tips to Win Friends and Influence People
How To Stop Hating Yourself | Self-Hatred and How To Overcome It?
How Depression Hurts Relationships? 5 Tips For Coping With Relationship Depression
Why Social Media Is Bad For Depression? 6 Signs Social Media Is Affecting Your Mental Health
