Divyanka Tripathi reflected on her early career when discussions about mental health were scarce. During a challenging period of depression, she often found herself crying in social settings, overwhelmed by her emotions. Fortunately, her friends provided crucial support that helped her navigate through this difficult time. Divyanka acknowledged her past belief that "ignorance is bliss," which led her to underestimate the significance of mental health issues.
The TV actress further emphasised the importance of expressing feelings, stating that having a supportive network, whether through friends or therapists, is vital for overcoming such struggles. To help a friend dealing with depression, it’s essential to listen without judgment and validate their feelings. Below are a few tips that one can follow to support their known or peers.
How To Handle A Friend With Depression
Supporting a friend with depression requires patience, understanding, and active involvement. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression is more than just sadness and friends play a crucial role in supporting individuals with depression. They can provide emotional support, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation that often accompany the condition. Some of the ways to help someone with depression are mentioned below.
- Encourage Open Communication: Invite your friend to talk about their feelings and experiences. Listening without judgment can help them feel understood and less isolated.
- Promote Professional Help: Encourage your friends to seek professional support if they haven't already. Offer to help them find a therapist or accompany them to appointments, making the process less daunting.
- Engage in Activities Together: Suggest engaging in enjoyable activities, such as going for a walk or watching a movie. This can help combat feelings of isolation and provide a sense of normalcy.
- Offer Practical Assistance: Help with everyday tasks that may feel overwhelming, such as grocery shopping or household chores. This support can alleviate some of the burdens they face during tough times.
- Extend Invitations: Continue to invite your friends to social activities, even if they decline. This helps reinforce that they are valued and not alone, which is crucial for their mental well-being.
- Be Patient and Understanding: Recognise that recovery takes time and may involve setbacks. Your continued support and understanding can make a significant difference in their journey toward healing.
Things To Avoid
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When supporting someone with depression, it's important to be mindful of certain behaviours and comments that can be counterproductive. Here are some things that one should avoid.
- Taking Things Personally: Understand that mood swings are symptoms, not a reflection of your relationship.
- Trying to Fix Them: Avoid simplistic advice like "just think positive." Depression is complex and cannot be easily solved.
- Offering Unsolicited Advice: Focus on listening instead of advising unless they ask for it.
- Minimising Their Experience: Avoid comparisons or statements like "it could be worse," as these can invalidate their feelings.
- Hiding the Problem: Don’t cover up their struggles; encourage them to seek help.
- Isolating Yourself: Maintain your social connections and self-care to prevent burnout.
- Being Overly Persistent: Allow them to open up at their own pace without pressure.
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Conclusion
Depression is a serious condition, and having supportive people around can make a big difference. A good group of friends or family can help someone feel better and provide comfort. Being in a positive and caring environment is important for improving mental health and overcoming difficult times.