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Caring for someone affected by Depression

Having a friend, colleague or family member who is depressed can be very difficult but you can work together to help them find their road to recovery.

Offering support
Start by talking to the depressed person about their problems and feelings. Approach it sympathetically and listen carefully even if what they tell you is patently not true or painfully misguided.

Try not to offer bland, groundless reassurance or spur-of-the-moment advice, and encourage them to talk to their GP. Accept the way they see the world at present - you won't be able to change their mood through logical argument, much as you may want to.

Also try to remember
· Listening can really help.
· Avoid saying, 'pull yourself together' or other remarks that make the person think that it is their fault that they are ill.
· If the person's problems do not sort themselves out in a week or so, suggest that the person seek professional help. Remind the person that this is not a sign of weakness or of being a failure.
· Don't nag the person or try to get them to do what they normally would. Remember they are suffering from an illness.
· Remind the person that they have an illness, that it is not their fault, and that they will get better no matter how hopeless they feel.
· Try to help them avoid resorting to alcohol, which does not help the situation. If the person talks of harming themselves or committing suicide, take this seriously. Insist that they see a doctor.
· Remember that it does NOT increase the chances of a person committing suicide to talk to them about it