Millions of individuals worldwide struggle with depression every day. Statistics indicate that approximately 3.8% of the global population contends with this mental health condition, with 5% representing adults and 5.7% accounting for adults aged 60 and older.
Recently, one of my friends plunged into a deep hole of depression. She faced difficulties concentrating, feelings of unworthiness and failure, a loss of motivation, and intense emotional struggles. But soon, she opened up to me with all her tears and emotions; we consulted a psychiatrist, and she gradually started overcoming the depression.
Supporting a friend dealing with depression can be challenging, but your care and understanding can make a significant difference.
Let’s delve into this post and discover the ways how you can assist your friend suffering from depression.
Understand Depression
Depression is a major depressive disorder that involves a loss of interest in activities that you earlier enjoyed doing. The disease causes a persistent feeling of sadness that affects thinking abilities and overall behavior. It troubles normal day-to-day activities and makes you feel unworthy. If you suspect your friend is struggling with depression, look for the symptoms:
- Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness
- Frustration
- Loss of Interest in Normal Activities
- Sleeping Disturbances
- Lack of Energy
- Reduced Appetite
- Weight Loss or Weight Gain
- Anxiety or Restlessness
- Slowed Thinking
- Feelings of Worthlessness
- Trouble Concentrating
- Difficulty in Making Decisions
- Difficulty Remembering Things
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Unexplained Physical Problems
Know the Factors that Make Your Friend Slip into Depression
The factors that contribute to depression are:
- Any Physical or Emotional Abuse
- Lack of Emotional Support
- Personal Conflict or Dispute with Family or Friends
- Death or Loss of Some Loved One
- A Family History of Depression
- Substance Misuse
Ways To Assist Your Friends Grappling with Depression
Supporting a friend who is grappling with depression requires a compassionate and understanding approach. Here are ways you can assist your friend struggling with depression:
Be an Active Listener
Sometimes, all a friend needs is someone who listens without judgment. Be there to lend an ear and let them express their thoughts and feelings with you. Mirror back their emotions to show that you understand and share their feelings. It will foster a connection that will be immensely beneficial for someone dealing with depression.
Learn What your friend is going through
Let your friend know that you’re there to listen without judgment. Encourage open communication by expressing your genuine concern. Ask direct and compassionate questions about your friend’s feelings, thoughts, and experiences while respecting comfort level.
Be Open & Offer Emotional Support
Clearly communicate to your friend that you are available to talk, listen, or simply be there in need of emotional support. Use empathetic language and reassure your friend that your concern is genuine and you are committed to supporting them.
Avoid Judgments
Actively listen to your friend’s experiences without forming judgments. Let them express their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism. Your role is to provide a safe space for them to share, not to pass judgment on actions, behaviors, or decisions. By doing so, you can contribute to a relationship based on understanding, empathy, and unconditional support.
Create a Safe Space
Establish trust and assure your friend that any information shared is confidential. You can also share your vulnerabilities as well. It will normalize vulnerability and make it easier for your friend to open up.
Encourage Professional Help
There is a stigma associated with getting treatment for mental illness in our society. Encourage the idea of seeking professional assistance from your friend. Reaching out to a psychiatrist or a therapist can be a positive and proactive step that would help your friend manage the depression symptoms.
Be Patient & Keep Them in The Loop
Every individual heals at their own pace. Respect your friend’s timeline for recovery and avoid imposing expectations. Healing involves ups and downs, and it’s essential to understand that improvement may not happen overnight. Let them guide the process, and reassure them that you’re there to support them, no matter how long it takes.
Don’t Try to Be an Expert
Your role as a supportive friend involves creating an environment where your friend feels heard, accepted, and understood. Don’t try to give your specific solutions to curing the illness. Let professionals play their own role.
Be Prepared to Act in an Emergency
Educate yourself about the signs of a mental health crisis, such as extreme behavior changes, feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal from social activities, or verbalizing thoughts of self-harm and suicide. Reassure your friend that help is available and that you are there to support them through the crisis.
Celebrate Their Success
Celebrating your friend’s success is a meaningful way to support them on their journey to overcome depression. Take notice of even the smallest accomplishments and express genuine happiness and enthusiasm. It will help your friend build resilience and move towards a healthier state of mind.
I being a female entrepreneur, former scientist, and wellness professional, have also faced the lifelong struggle of dealing with a genetic condition, ADHD and OCD. Through the transformative influence of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with the help of some supporters, and the empowering journey of holistic wellness and self-discovery, I rediscovered my life and embraced a path of holistic living!
Wrapping Up
Supporting a friend struggling with depression requires a non-judgmental attitude where they can openly talk. Urge your friend to get professional help. Remember, your role is not to act as a substitute for professional care but to be a compassionate presence and ally. Together, with empathy and kindness, you can uplift and support a friend on the journey towards healing.