Insight On How To Connect To Friends Who Have Depression

Dec 13, 2018 by apost team

Depression usually isn’t the only problem sufferers have to deal with on a daily basis. It’s often coupled with a feeling of immense anxiety. It can be hard for someone to even talk to another person about the way they are feeling. You would be surprised how common is for a normal person to contemplate suicide

Depression is a real problem that is even harder to deal with alone. The hardest part is how those feelings can push you further into seclusion. The more time you spend alone, the more time social anxiety has to grow.

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Support groups are great options for anyone who suffers from depression. Being around people who can really understand the state you are can be amazingly helpful. Family can do their best to give their support, but it isn’t always enough for a sufferer.

It can be so much easier to open up with someone who has been through it all, but what about family and friends? Could you find the courage to be reach out to them? Here are some thoughts to encourage you along the way.

Over 300 million people are living with depression according to the World Health Organization. This is a worldwide problem that affects countless people just like you. Anyone who is experiencing all the pain that comes with this disorder will know how easy it is to put on a mask for everyone else. They will pretend to be happy during events, but on the inside, they are going through unbearable sadness.

That learned-sadness can be devastating. A small remark could easily destroy a person’s self-confidence in an instant. If you are hanging out with a depressed friend, then stay as positive as possible. Really lay it on thick to hammer in the point that you accept them as they are. It will mean a lot to your loved one. They want to spend time with you, but the depression just makes it harder to interact.

1. Don't point out their flaws.

This is probably the worst thing you can do to someone with depression, but it doesn't just apply to criticizing your friend. Stay away from making judgemental comments about other people, as well, as your friend may begin to manifest that criticism toward themselves.

2. Don't tell them to 'just deal with it.'

Depression is a whole new level of emotional distress. It may be totally easy for a normal person to get over the problems holding them back, but it is different for them. Imagine the way it feels to lose your job or suffer a loss. That’s the way some depressed people feel about facing everyday situations.

3. Don't assume they can be cheered up.

When we get down about life, then it’s easy to pick ourselves up with a little activity. A night out with friends can be a life-saver, but what makes us feel better might do very little for someone with depression. Social outings can actually be more draining to someone suffering from depression than helpful. 

4. Don't take things the wrong way.

They are in a constant emotional downpour. If your friend lashes out at you for trying to help, then just brush it off. Be understanding towards them. They might not always be capable of processing everything before reacting. It’s easy to jump off the handle when you have so much weight on your shoulders. 

5. It's alright to be sad.

Not every depression is without rational roots. Sometimes it’s alright to feel sad. Don’t try to pressure your loved one into changing who they are. Everyone needs to deal with their own problems in their own way. You should be there when they need you, and you should only be there when you want to be there.

6. Don't force them into the spotlight.

You don’t want to bring any unnecessary attention to them. If they want to stand out from the crowd, then they will do it on their own. Take it easy. Let them have complete control of their participation level.

7. Don't be a hero.

The last thing your friends wants you to do is make yourself responsible for their well-being. They want to be treated like a normal person. Their issues are not your own, and they are absolutely not there to be 'saved'. You're their sidekick who is there to help them when they need it, not the hero in their story.

8. Don't make false promises.

If you can’t be there when they need you, then don’t act like you can. They might try to reach out to you, and if you're not there when you said you would be, it can decrease their level of trust or even make them feel like a burden.

9. Find ways to involve them in your life.

Call on your depressed friend when you need a hand. It can be very uplifting to help someone else with their problems in the place of dealing with your own. When they help you with small tasks, then it can give them a sense of purpose. It’s always good to get out of the house, and it’s even better to escape the prison of isolation that they’ve built for themselves.

Do you have a loved one in your life who suffers from depression? How do you help them when they're struggling? Let everyone know these tips on dealing with a depressed loved one. Show them what you can do to make life easier - it could change their lives.