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Depression is a mental disorder that is now quite common. This condition is considered dangerous, because it is difficult to diagnose and cure. Unfortunately, the threat lies not only in this. A person faced with a mental disorder does not realize that he is trapped in the disease. If you suspect that your relative, friend or acquaintance has depression, then try to help him. Only a close environment can lead out of a dangerous state.
What to look for
You do not need to be a professional psychologist to notice signs of depression in a loved one:
Abrupt change in behavior. Not so long ago, you and a person close to you had fun together, but now he is no longer happy with life. He talks about his own failures and the injustices of this world.
Lack of concern for their appearance. Your relative, friend or acquaintance is no longer interested in how he looks. He doesn’t groom his hair, brush his teeth, or take a shower.
Longing for loneliness. A previously active person who had many friends suddenly became withdrawn. Due to depression, he does not leave his home. Most of the time he sleeps or just lies on the couch.
Indifference to what is happening around. Your loved one is no longer interested in anything. He does not strive for anything and does not believe that everything can change for the better.
Closure. Previously, your loved one was very sociable. He often smiled and talked about his plans. Now he avoids communication, does not come to meetings with friends.
Depression of emotions, depressed mood. Your relative, friend or acquaintance is gnawed by guilt. He is irritable and dissatisfied with himself. He is tormented by such emotions as longing and despair.
Depression can occur in absolutely anyone. Even life-loving and energetic people with a strong character are faced with this mental disorder. The causes of depression are most often constant failures, the loss of a loved one, severe overwork.
Features of the fight against depression in men
Most often, women experience a mental disorder, as they are very sensitive and emotional. Men are also susceptible to depression. Their psyche is less plastic than women’s. That is why it is much more difficult for men to help cope with the disorder.
How to schedule a conversation:
If you want to get a loved one out of depression, then talk to him. It is unlikely that he will want to tell you about his problems, but you do not back down. Say that you want to help and you are concerned about his condition.
Don’t let your friend, boyfriend, or husband change the subject. Be persistent.
Remember that the person you want to help is depressed and very vulnerable. Try not to put too much pressure on him. Be tactful.
When your friend, boyfriend or husband realizes that he is suffering from depression, ask him about what caused the mental disorder. Give advice depending on the answer.
Suggest seeking help from a psychologist. If your loved one is suicidal, then do not leave him alone. Take him to the doctor immediately.
How to help a friend?
Depressed women, like men, need to be led into a frank conversation. If you notice signs of a mental disorder in your girlfriend, then talk to her. At the same time, communication should be unobtrusive.
Turn off your phone before talking so you don’t get distracted by calls. During the conversation, encourage your friend, ask her leading questions when an awkward silence occurs. At the end of the conversation, thank her for not being afraid to tell you about her problems.
Talk to your friend’s family and close friends. By rallying, you can quickly get a woman out of depression (just don’t take pessimists and cynics into your team, who can only aggravate the situation). Organize a group support session and invite a friend who is sick. Meeting and talking will give her strength and instill confidence in her.
An effective weapon against mental illness is the ability to listen to the interlocutor. During a conversation with a friend, try not to be surprised by her words. Be prepared for the fact that the woman will tell you some terrible secrets. If you begin to criticize or evaluate her actions, then she will move away and close from you. Try to understand the committed actions and accept her point of view.
Never say words like “ignore”, “cheer up”. Such advice will not help, because often people in a depressed state consider the situations in which they find themselves to be hopeless. It is better to tell your friend that you will help her cope with difficulties and will always be there.
After the conversation, try to meet more often. If you do not have free time, then call a friend, send her SMS messages or emails. With such actions, you will show a loved one that you do not forget about him.
If your friend is constantly sitting at home, then try to lure her out of the house. Get her interested in something. For example, invite them to the movies to see a comedy or offer to go to fitness or yoga together. You can just go for a walk in the fresh air.
In getting rid of depression, an introduction to art can play a positive role. Have your friend write a poem, a story, or try to paint a picture. Art will allow her to convey her emotions, feelings and mood, and perhaps she will discover new talents.
You can get a person out of depression thanks to tactile contacts. Take your friend by the hand more often. This is how you show her that you care about her. A sick woman will no longer feel useless and lonely.
Your friend may deny that she is depressed. In this case, do not put pressure on her. Just try to always be there. After a while, your friend will realize that you can be trusted. She will talk about her problems herself.
How not to become a victim of depression yourself?
According to experts, depression is highly contagious. It is like the flu or a cold, easily passed from one person to another. Probably, you yourself noticed at work how a bad mood spreads in a small team. It almost instantly infects people who are close to the person who suffers from depression. An atmosphere filled with negativity has a negative effect on everyone.
Helping a relative, friend or acquaintance get out of a depressive state, do not fall into the trap of the disease yourself.
In order not to face a mental disorder, follow these tips:
Don’t get discouraged if you encounter setbacks. The black bar will definitely end. Push all problems aside. Fill your life with positivity.
Do not focus on the problems of a loved one. You must continue to lead your usual way of life. Have fun, meet friends, chat.
Take care of yourself, take care of your appearance and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Don’t be alarmed if you find yourself tormented by feelings of dissatisfaction and powerlessness. This state of affairs is quite understandable. You help another person out of depression, and their negative mood is transferred to you.
If you notice signs of a mental disorder, visit a psychologist. A specialist can help you. If there are difficulties in your life, then do not try to hide behind other people’s problems. Keep your mind and your “I”. A clear understanding of what is happening to you will become your assistant in the fight against depression.