Helping And Caring For A Depressed Person

Be a reassuring presence, making them feel secure that they will always have your support.

Someone undergoing depression may find simply everyday tasks, such as getting out of bed or performing at work, more difficult than usual.

You could even help them to plan their daily schedules.

If you sense or notice that the person in question may have turned to alcohol or substance abuse in a bid to deal with his depressive state, please do your best to convince him to seek help. Alcoholism and substance abuse not only do not help the situation at all, they make things much worse, even worsening the physical health of the depressed person.

As depressed persons tend to be extra vulnerable, it is a good idea that they have someone to accompany them for at least some periods during the day.

Encourage them to get out of bed, out of the house, and to get some fresh air, sunshine and exercise – these are very important elements in breaking out of the depressive cycle.

If a person undergoing depression talks about ending his life, you should not take such comments about suicide lightly or trivially. In such a situation, it may well be safer to err on the side of caution, and to get help for him, including professional help.

One factor which is possibly easily ignored, but must not be, is your own emotional, mental and psychological wellbeing. It can be tiring and frustrating trying to pick a depressed person up, and this can certainly take its toll on you after a while, especially if the condition of the depressed person shows no sign of improving.

Take regular breaks, have time for relaxation, recharge your batteries, eat and live healthily, and perhaps you could yourself seek someone to talk to in order to have an outlet for your pent up thoughts and feelings.

Remember, you must yourself be in good shape to be able to take care of the person, so make sure that you look after yourself well, too.

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New Hope For People With Depression

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