What is the best way to communicate with individuals experiencing major depression?
It can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is experiencing depression. However, active listening and words of comfort and support can help. Show Statistics show that about 17.3 million adults, which represents 7.1% of the population, and 1.9 million children aged 3–17 years experience depression each year in the United States. For some people, the condition’s symptoms are mild. For others, they are so debilitating that they can make it difficult to get out of bed. Although there are no words that will heal depression, being comforting and supportive may help someone manage their symptoms. Among the most important things that an individual can offer are loving support and encouragement. Without forcing or pressuring them, asking a person questions about how they are feeling can give them vital space to talk. The symptoms of depression can be scary or overwhelming, but vocalizing some of those difficult thoughts can make them less powerful. For example, research from 2016 found that people who shared thoughts of suicide with loved ones experienced a greater sense of belonging and felt less like a burden. Some things to say that may help include:
If you think that a loved one might have depression, do not shy away from the topic. You can tell them that you have noticed changes in their emotions or behavior and that you want to help. This conversation should be collaborative between adults and not confrontational. When speaking with children, adults should be careful to avoid making them feel as though they are in trouble or being judged. When talking with an individual with depression about suicide, people can also try these strategies:
People often worry that reaching out to someone will be unhelpful or intrusive. Some ways of finding out if someone wishes to talk include:
If you feel the person wishes to talk, let them speak. Here are some tips for being an active listener:
If you think the person may be considering suicide, it is acceptable to ask them directly. According to the Samaritans, asking about suicide can be helpful as it gives the person space to talk about it. No single method of communication works for everyone. A person can consider how they usually speak with the individual with depression — which method offers the most intimacy and fosters the deepest dialogue? In a 2017 poll, 86% of respondents said that face-to-face discussions of depression are the best option. However, some people may feel more comfortable texting. There are some instances where it is not helpful or advisable to talk about mental health issues. Some tips include:
Loved ones can support people with depression in many ways, but it is not possible to cure the condition. While it may help to encourage individuals to seek treatment, it is not possible to force someone to speak with a doctor or therapist. With this in mind, instead of trying to force a specific outcome, focus on cultivating a loving environment. Some strategies that can help include:
Avoid saying anything that dismisses the person’s symptoms, judges them for their emotions, stigmatizes depression, or makes them feel hopeless. Some examples of what not to say include:
People who love a person with depression may also need external support from friends, family members, or a therapist. If a person feels that an individual with depression may benefit from professional help, encourage them to speak with a licensed therapist or psychologist. Their family doctor may be able to recommend a suitable practitioner. There are also online apps that a person can access at any time. They usually have a licensed professional available for chatting. Find out about apps that can help with meditation and finding professional help. Depression is a common mental health issue, so many people will need to find constructive, positive ways to talk about it with their loved ones. There is nothing that individuals can say to cure depression in someone else, but being supportive and a good listener can help. What are the proper way to address people who suffering in depression?What you CAN say that helps:. “You're not alone. ... . “It may be hard to believe right now, but the way you're feeling will change.”. “Please tell me what I can do now to help you.”. “Even if I'm not able to understand exactly how you feel, I care about you and want to help.”. “You're important to me.. How can we communicate effectively with patients with mental illness?When speaking with someone living with a mental health condition, use respectful and accepting language. Ensure the messages you give are positive and clear.
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