How can you help the person with depression?

How can you help the person you care for?
A person with depression is not lazy or weak because they find it ‘difficult
to get out of bed’ or because they do not find anything ‘worthwhile or
pleasurable’. They cannot just ‘snap out of it’, ‘pull themselves together’ or
‘get better with a good holiday’. They often feel guilty and blame themselves because they are doing less, thus adding to the feelings of depression.
Depression affects the person’s thoughts, feelings and everyday functioning.
Friends, family and carers can support the person to overcome
depression by keeping busy, avoiding negative thinking, solving problems,
and reducing stress:
Encourage and support the individual to start the day with an
activity that gives him or her pleasure and a positive sense of
achievement Encourage and support the person to plan pleasant activities in advance. This will give him or her a sense of control over their
lives and a structure so that on the day nothing seems so
overwhelming
Encourage the person to take up exercise. Exercise can increase
the body’s metabolism and counteract the chemical imbalance
associated with depression. It can also provide a distraction
from negative thoughts and give a sense of control by
engaging in a self-disciplined activity that promotes well-being
Be aware that life events, medical problems and a stressful home environment make an individual more vulnerable to further incidents of depression:
Depression can be a serious mental health problem. It is
important to remember that people with depression sometimes
have thoughts of harming themselves. If you have concern
about any risks of self-harm try and talk to the person and
his/her doctor about it. Listen to the person’s feelings of
depression but also point out that help is available
Try to distract the person by involving him or her in pleasant,
low-key activities with someone he or she knows well
Let the person know that you accept and care about him or her
Consider whether any stressful things can be removed which
might be depressing for the person (e.g. too much pressure at
work)
Do not insist on the person doing much or going out and try
not to nag or criticize them
Do not wear yourself out by doing everything for them
Sometimes if a person is having difficulties with sleeping, cutting out
coffee and cola can help.
Most episodes of depression improve after a few months. Although
depression can be treated effectively, it can come back. Be aware of the
warning signs and seek advice as soon as possible. Early intervention can help to avoid further deterioration and aid quick recovery.