How Family and Friends Can
Help the Depressed Person
The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed
person is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis
and treatment. This may involve encouraging the individual
to stay with treatment until symptoms begin to abate
(several weeks), or to seek different treatment if
no improvement
occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment
and accompanying the depressed person to the doctor.
It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person
is taking
medication. The depressed person should be encouraged
to obey the doctor's orders about the use of alcoholic
products
while on medication. The second most important thing
is to offer emotional support. This involves understanding,
patience,
affection, and encouragement. Engage the depressed person
in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage
feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer
hope. Do not
ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the depressed
person's therapist. Invite the depressed person for walks,
outings, to the movies, and other activities. Be gently
insistent if your invitation is refused. Encourage
participation in
some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies,
sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not
push the depressed person to undertake too much too
soon. The
depressed person needs diversion and company, but too
many demands can increase feelings of failure.
Do not accuse the depressed person of faking illness
or of laziness, or expect him or her "to snap out of it." Eventually,
with treatment, most people do get better. Keep that in
mind, and keep reassuring the depressed person that, with
time
and help, he or she will feel better.
