How to help

01.

Understanding

To help a patient with depression, you need to understand the disorder, the most importants to know are:

Depression is a serious medical condition.
Treating depression is a long and complex journey, in which the patient himself plays an important role. You should not blame yourself if you cannot help the patient.
The symptoms, behaviors, and attitudes of a depression patient are not that person's personality.
Hiding or ignoring depression will not make it go away
02.

Caring

Family and friends are those who are closest to the patient. They can even recognize signs of depression before the patient recognizes them themselves. You need to pay attention to the unusual changes of your friend or family member. Your concern may become the motivation for depression patients to seek help.

03.

Listening

Listen sincerely without judgment, and avoid teaching or giving advice. To do this, you need to care appropriately, avoid making the patient feel pressured, and show that you are willing to listen anytime they want to share.

avoid to say words that are judgmental, teaching, or hurtful, such as:
“You just imagine it yourself.”
“Everybody has times like that.”
“Let’s try to be more positive”
“I can't do anything to help you”
“Don’t overthinking”
Should say words that express sincere compassion and a desire to help:
“I’m always here to listen”
“If you need any help, just tell me, I will try to help you.”
“I care about you very much. I may not understand what you're going through, but I'm always here for you."
04.

Encourage patient to see a specialist

Paradoxically, people with depression may have negative thoughts, they even believe that their case is hopeless and incurable. Thereby, they deny people's care, and they don't want to see a psychologist. You can start by talking to the patient to help them understand that depression is treatable. Meanwhile, patiently and tactfully encourage them to see a specialist.

05.

Supporting for treatment process

Once you have brought the depression patient to see a specialist, the important thing you need to do is continue to stay by their side, encourage and help them throughout the treatment process.

01.

Understanding

To help a patient with depression, you need to understand the disorder, the most importants to know are:

Depression is a serious medical condition.
Treating depression is a long and complex journey, in which the patient himself plays an important role. You should not blame yourself if you cannot help the patient.
The symptoms, behaviors, and attitudes of a depression patient are not that person's personality.
Hiding or ignoring depression will not make it go away
02.

Caring

Family and friends are those who are closest to the patient. They can even recognize signs of depression before the patient recognizes them themselves. You need to pay attention to the unusual changes of your friend or family member. Your concern may become the motivation for depression patients to seek help.

03.

Listening

Listen sincerely without judgment, and avoid teaching or giving advice. To do this, you need to care appropriately, avoid making the patient feel pressured, and show that you are willing to listen anytime they want to share.

04.

Encourage patient to see a specialist

Paradoxically, people with depression may have negative thoughts, they even believe that their case is hopeless and incurable. Thereby, they deny people's care, and they don't want to see a psychologist. You can start by talking to the patient to help them understand that depression is treatable. Meanwhile, patiently and tactfully encourage them to see a specialist.

05.

Supporting for treatment process

Once you have brought the depression patient to see a specialist, the important thing you need to do is continue to stay by their side, encourage and help them throughout the treatment process.

To you who are carrying
a burden in your heart,
remember

Don't ever wonder if you should exist in this world.

Don't let this disorder define who you are.

I love you more than you know.

Your friend.