Depression is a harsh and debilitating
condition which can severely impact a person’s life. And if the person in
question has to deal with it in isolation, things can become significantly more
difficult and dangerous. Which is why if your family member is dealing with any
form of depression, you need to provide as much depression help and support as you can. It
is your responsibility to create an environment where the sufferer feels safe
and doesn’t need to feel guilty about their affliction. But sometimes, helping
somebody out like this can be a little tricky. Here are a few tips to sort you
out.
First and foremost, be a good friend to
the family member suffering from depression. Put aside your pre-determined
familial roles and reach out to that person as a friend, be it a spouse, a
sibling, a parent or a child. It is vital that you create a safe space for that
person to communicate their problems. Next, and this is the most important
step, encourage them to see a therapist. Bear in mind that depression is not
simply a symptom of sadness, it is a serious medical condition which requires the
care and attention of a trained therapist and counsellor. While you are
required to be a friend, you absolutely need to ensure that your family member
sees a therapist at the earliest. You could be supportive and offer to opt for family counseling
if needed or if nothing, at least accompany them to therapy sessions. A little
bit of support can go a long way and make a massive difference to the person
undergoing depression.
If you are still not sure how you could
help a family member cope with depression, you could always visit a therapist
by yourself for advice. The therapist will guide you on how to approach the
person and provide them with the best possible support and care.
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