5 ways to help a friend get out of depression

People often confuse a real depression and a feeling of sadness and longing, which from time to time may occur in each of us.

Clinical depression is a medical disorder, a real illness that won't go just because you want it. It lasts at least two weeks and seriously prevents all spheres of life — from love to work. According to the researchers, struggling with depression about 10 % of the population worldwide.

The website offers several ways to help a friend deal with this terrible disease.

1. Help to find assistance





Gently suggest to someone who is ill, to find professional help. It is better if you will take on specific tasks: you will find addresses and phone numbers of doctors, make a list of questions to ask at the reception of a specialist, etc. For someone who struggles with depression, even these simple steps can prove irresistible.

2. Share information





If your friend feels guilty or ashamed of their condition, be sure to tell him that depression is the same disease, like asthma or diabetes. This is not a weakness or character trait, and expect the man himself to cope with it, is how to be sure that it is possible to cure a broken arm.

Find information about depression — the more you know about it, the better you will understand the feelings of a sick friend and will be able to support it.

3. Don't compare depression with sadness





Don't trivialize the depression. If you have never experienced it, don't compare depression with normal feelings of grief and sadness that you feel from time to time. This will make the other feel even stronger guilt for his illness.

4. Talking about the disease openly





Talk to a friend about his condition openly. Research shows that talking about suicidal thoughts reduces the risk of suicide (and depression in severe cases could lead to his arrest).

Open conversations about the illness help break the stigma of "mental patient" and understand that asking for help in this case — fine. And the more patients seek treatment, the more scientists learn about depression and the better learn to treat her.

5. Continue to support the intangible Symptoms of depression, depression can not be tested. Therefore, even if you think your friend looks great and it is much better continue to support it. And don't forget to hug.







Source TED-Ed Blog
Photo preview of 20th Century Fox


See also
Everyone has a best friend
Life before and after the appearance of the best friend
Overheard


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