New Delhi: Depression is a serious mental condition that can happen to anyone. It is not a character weakness, but an illness that has severe impact on a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in its latest report has highlighted the alarming rise in the number of people struggling with mental illness cases, particularly, depression and anxiety which are major reasons for global suicides in countries like India and other low- and middle-income countries.
The WHO data shows that India, which is among the countries worst affected by mental health issues, has more than five crore people suffering from depression, where three crore others have anxiety symptoms.
As mentioned above, depression, at worst, can lead to suicide. But fortunately, depression can be treated and prevented. Although what treatment is best and how long the depression lasts depend on the severity of the symptoms.
The supports of carers, friends and family hugely impact on the recovery process. While stress can make depression worse, patience and perseverance is required because recovery from depression can take time.
When you live with a depressed person, you want to be there to help him/her although it can be painfully difficult. One of the best ways you can be a great help to your loved one or a friend who may be struggling with depression is, perhaps, by recognising the symptoms and helping the them get treated. Here are a few things you can do for people who are depressed:
- Make it to the person that you want to help, listen without judgment and offer support.
- Encourage them to seek professional help while offering them to accompany them to appointments.
- Help them to take medication as prescribed and make them learn the importance of patience and how keeping it can affect and help in recovery process.
- Help them with everyday tasks, including setting regular eating and sleeping patterns.
- Encourage them to exercise daily.
- Encourage them to focus on the positive, rather than the negative thoughts.
- If you think the person is thinking about self-harm, do not leave him/her alone. Seek help from emergency services such as healthcare professionals. Also, avoid keeping items like medications, sharp objects near the person.
- Do not forget to take care of yourself too. Try to find ways to relax and do things you enjoy even as you help your loved one coping with depression.
You may feel confused, frustrated and distraught yourself, especially when your love done is struggling with depression. Either, it may not be easy to help him/her cope with the condition or get treatment, but it can be done, and helping can make you both feel better.
