Posted on November 18, 2008 in Latest News
Friends often go through depression, when their relationship goes sour. Betrayed by a true love, he or she feels the world has now come to an end and goes through a face of hopelessness and dejection. Life for him or her is not worth living anymore, and is unable to enjoy the chirpiness of the birds and the offerings of nature. He prefers to live in darkness, entertaining morbid thoughts and even contemplates on suicide. Life is a burden, a heavy load to carry around.
As a true friend you can help your friend to come out of his or her despair or rather depression. You can do so if you accept some truths about the condition.
Tips to Deal with Depression in a Relationship
- A person to whom you are close may be depressed and you may need to extend all necessary support. How do you go about doing it?
- Learn more about depression. Get to know its causes, symptoms and cure. Pick up facts about it. This way you will be better equipped to handle it.
- Get the true facts about it. Do not go by myths. Try to place yourself in the person’s situation. This way you will be able to understand his or her feelings better.
- One should seek support. You often may get frustrated or irritated. You find it difficult to handle a situation. It is good to talk to a friend, or consult a therapist or join a group as to how to handle a situation.
- Protect yourself from depression, while dealing with depression in a relationship. It is highly contagious. One should take a break from the situation.
- Make sure you are there when they need you. Let your shoulder be there for them to cry upon. Be a good listener. Let them know that you care for them and understand what they are going through. Make them feel that they are not worthless and can come out of the depression.
- Do not take things to heart while handling depression in a relationship. A depressed person’s behavior maybe erratic. They may lose their temper or withdraw or avoid talking to you. This is because of their mood swings. Try to understand them and do not hold it against them.
- Depressed people find even a small task difficult to perform. They may not be able to carry out the daily household chores. You may need to help them for a while.
- Make sure they get proper treatment. They should consult a specialist and take their medications. Let them feel that consulting a therapist did not mean they are crazy.
- Take a positive approach. Let them feel it is not the end of the road. Situation will brighten up again.
- You need to love them unconditionally. Let them realize that you are upset about the illness they are suffering from, not with them.
- One should realize that a person can not snap out of depression. Be patient.
- Do not be a rescuer. You cannot after all solve all his or her problems. The depressed person has to make an effort to come out of the situation. You can help him or her to realize and understand what he or she is going through and change his or her perceptions towards life.
- Make the depressed person feel that he or she is also needed by others.
- Try to understand your motives in handling a depressed person. It is possible that you yourself have experienced it and, therefore, like to help others. Sometimes you yourself maybe having a problem. You might be escaping from your own insecurities and fears.
- Be genuine in your feelings. Do not be hypocritical. Be sincere in your efforts to help.
Patience, faith and conviction in your efforts are required to handle depression in a relationship. One’s spouse maybe suffering from it, or a child or friend. Whosoever it may be, one needs to be patient in dealing with the situation.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
This is very up-to-date information. I’ll share it on Delicious.