According to the data of the World Health Organization – it is estimated that up to 350 million people may suffer from depression worldwide. Taking into account these large numbers, we can assume that each of us has a high probability of contact with a person struggling with this disease in his life. However, do we know how to behave when someone close to us falls ill? How to talk to him and what to avoid categorically?
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Depression is being discussed more and more in the media and more. This disease can sometimes hide for a long time under the guise of its inconspicuous symptoms pointing to completely different ailments. It has a complex of symptoms, not only mental, but also somatic.
The most common symptoms of somatic depression include:
- fatigue that is difficult to win – even when trying to rest
- lack of energy to work, develop your passions, but also to do regular daily duties – such as cleaning or cooking,
- eating problems – a complete lack of appetite and taking small amounts of food, or the other way around – sick eating, excessive desire to eat,
- insomnia and problems falling asleep at set times, or excessive sleepiness and problems getting out of bed.
- In addition to the physical symptoms, depression mainly manifests itself in:
- long-term depression of mood,
- depression and difficulty noticing positive, beautiful things,
- losing interest in things that have ignited us so far,
- lack of faith in their own value, strength and skills,
- problems with gathering thoughts, distraction preventing, for example, work,
- running away from people – lack of willingness to socialize,
- and even thoughts of suicide or self-destructive behavior.
- If a loved one becomes depressed, we should know how to behave to help him or her or relieve him or her.
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How Do I Talk To Someone With Depression?
It is difficult to create a specific dictionary of statements that should be addressed to people suffering from depression. However, it is worth knowing what rules to follow in order not to deepen the condition of a loved one.
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Be Interested But Don’t Overdo It
It is worth showing interest to the sick person, asking about their well-being, what she did today, what she wants to do. Sometimes patients are reluctant to talk, but sometimes they will even open up to the interlocutor. However, you must remember not to go too far in your interest. Polling, colloquial “pulling the tongue” of a sick person who clearly does not want to talk about something, will be counterproductive, despite the most sincere intentions. The best thing to do is to show interest, but at the same time give yourself plenty of breath and freedom.
Be Understanding
Many things are difficult for people with depression. If they have problems with the lack of energy, they are tired, then do not force them to do anything, just show understanding. We should also remember that we should not be offended if the patient does not want to go to a bar or restaurant.
Propose Activities That Can Be Performed
It is worth offering the sick person joint activities. However, it should be remembered that these are activities that he will be able to perform. If we try to persuade an isolating depressed person to a party among the public, they may not only refuse, but also feel they are incapable of something, making them mistakenly believe that they are inferior to those who will come to the party. For example, a walk in the park may be a good suggestion, without putting the sick person in an awkward position.
Help The Sick Person, But Don’t Do Things For Him
Help – in various aspects – can make it easier for a depressed person. However, it should not be replaced – for example, with household chores. Doing so can backfire. We should try to encourage sick people to take up activities, for example by doing them together (cooking together).
Do Not Contradict The Patient’s Feelings
Sometimes fatigue, nervousness or the lack of full understanding of the phenomena make us begin to deny the feelings of the sick person. We get the wrong impression that she is exaggerating or telling ourselves problems. You absolutely shouldn’t make such accusations. This kind of “bucket of cold water” poured over a sick person can be very harmful.
It would seem that the above principles are easy to implement. Life situations show, however, that it is easy to make mistakes when communicating with a depressed person – but they are not the result of malicious intent. It is always worth remembering that the sick person is in a completely different situation than us, and thus has a different picture of reality from ours.
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