Offering advice to a person experiencing depression:
In the face of depression, it's crucial to approach conversations with empathy, compassion, and understanding. Here are some effective strategies to support someone struggling with depression, drawn from various sources.
First and foremost, **approach conversations with empathy and compassion**. Phrases such as "I’ve noticed you seem to be struggling lately, and I want you to know I’m here for you" and "What would be most helpful for you right now?" show understanding and create an emotionally safe space for dialogue.
It's essential to **avoid minimizing or dismissive comments** like "Look on the bright side" or "You just need to get over it," which can feel invalidating and harm trust.
**Practice active listening** by asking open-ended questions, summarising and paraphrasing what they say, and using reflective statements. This encourages sharing and confirms understanding.
**Validate their feelings** without judgment, even if you don’t fully understand their perspective. Statements like "That sounds really tough" acknowledge their experience and help them feel respected.
Create a **non-judgmental environment** and allow the person to set the pace of conversation, honoring their comfort and emotional needs. Let them know you are there to listen whenever they’re ready.
**Offer practical help and reassurance** beyond words, such as assisting with daily tasks or accompanying them to appointments. This demonstrates tangible support while reinforcing emotional care.
**Offer hope gently**. Since depression often robs people of hope, reminding them of their unique reasons to keep going (e.g., loved ones, pets, personal values) can provide motivation without pressure.
It's important to remember that depression is not laziness or a character flaw. Acknowledge the seriousness of the condition to avoid inadvertently blaming or shaming the person.
In the United States, various resources are available for individuals in crisis or considering suicide, including the 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and Befrienders Worldwide. Online apps offering chats with licensed professionals are also available for access at any time.
Loved ones can further support people with depression by inviting them to do things they once enjoyed, using humor (if it usually helps), avoiding spending too much time talking about depression, taking care of their own needs, and setting boundaries if they feel uncomfortable.
Encouraging a person to seek professional help, such as a licensed therapist or psychologist, can be beneficial. Reminding someone that they matter and their feelings are valid can help combat feelings of shame and hopelessness.
According to a 2017 poll, 86% of respondents found face-to-face discussions to be the best option for discussing depression. However, some people may feel more comfortable discussing depression through text.
By combining empathetic communication, active listening, validation, and practical support, you can build trust and provide meaningful comfort to someone living with depression.
- It's crucial to avoid dismissive comments like "You just need to get over it," which can seem invalidating and harm trust when attempting to support someone struggling with depression.
- Although you may not fully understand their perspective, validate their feelings without judgment by saying phrases like "That sounds really tough."
- Create a non-judgmental environment by allowing the person to set the pace of conversation and honoring their comfort and emotional needs.
- Offer practical help and reassurance beyond words, such as assisting with daily tasks or accompanying them to appointments.
- Remind them of their unique reasons to keep going, like loved ones, pets, or personal values, providing motivation without pressure.
- Different people may find discussing depression more comfortable through various means, such as face-to-face conversations or text.
- Encouraging a person to seek professional help, like a licensed therapist or psychologist, can be beneficial in aiding their mental health journey.
