How to help

A person suffering from depression has a better chance of recovering if he or she has a good support. Relatives and friends are extremely important when a person is suffering from depression. There are many ways in which you can help:

• Listen to them, let them talk about it
• Tell them know they are important to you, that you love them and care about their health.
• Encourage them to keep in touch with you, understanding this may take extra effort from you
• Spend time with them
• Talk to them about where and how to get help.
• Ask them how they would like you to help them, what they need from you

Remember that even though they may be behaving very differently to usual and your relationship may have changed because of it, they will return to normal and your relationship will improve as they get better.

Self-criticism

If the person is constantly criticising themselves, try to counteract this with positive but genuine input. It can help to say things like "you are a good friend" or "you are a nice person". It is unlikely they will believe you at this stage but the encouragement is important nevertheless.

 

Help with visits to the doctor

If you suspect that your relative or friend is suffering from depression, try to encourage them to see their doctor. They can contact their own GP or psychiatrist (if they have already been in contact with a psychiatrist). Sometimes it’s useful to offer to accompany them to the doctor. Obviously this depends on your relationship and whether they want this. In some cases where spouses and/or good friends are involved in the appointment, it adds extra value, both for the sufferer (as they feel supported) and for the doctor (to gain a clearer understanding of how the person has changed etc).

You can give the doctor important information they may not get from the person who has depression. Being involved with treatment also means you have a full understanding of the illness and its management and are able to discuss it with your depressed partner or friend and help support them in their recovery.

Emotional support

You can give emotional support just by being ‘there’, physically and/or emotionally. Once recovered, people often say that they felt comforted when relatives or friends were with them, reassuring them, listening and just being there for them.