How to Help a Friend Depressed with Suicidal Thoughts who doesn’t want Help?

How to Help Someone with Depression? A Helpful Guide

What is depression? Is it a sickness or disease? The labels “disorder” or “sickness” are widely used to characterize depression; nevertheless, some specialists refer to depression as a disease since the term emphasizes its physical and mental impacts.

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a widespread and significant medical ailment that has a negative impact on how you feel, think, and act.

According to WHO statistics, depression is the biggest cause of disability worldwide, with more than 264 million patients experiencing different degrees of depression.

These alarming figures are sufficient enough for us to take depression and its severely catastrophic consequences on a person and their immediate family members seriously!

So, how to help someone with depression?

Before you can help out a friend or family member dealing with depression, there are essential things you must know. Let’s get started!

What Causes Depression?

The reasons that may cause depression are not fully known. However, a mix of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological variables is thought to have an effect.

Among the possible causes are:

• Genetics: A family history of depression can raise the likelihood of developing the illness.
• Brain Chemistry: An imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain may lead to depression.
• Medical Reasons: Certain medical factors, such as chronic disease or persistent pain, can raise the risk of depression.
• Life Events: Severe or stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a job, can set off depression.
• Personality: People with particular personality traits, such as poor self-esteem or being overly critical of themselves, may be predisposed to depression.

The Top 10 Key Symptoms of Depression

How to help a friend with depression? This is the most common query people have. But, more important before helping is understanding depression.

The key symptoms associated with depression are the following:

• Feelings of despair, pessimism, or helplessness that persist
• Loss of interest in previously appreciated activities
• Difficulty concentrating or making judgments
• Changes in appetite or sleeping habits
• Fatigue or a lack of energy
• Feelings of inadequacy or guilt
• Suicidal or self-harming thoughts
• Agitation or irritability
• Physical problems that are unexplained, such as headaches or stomachaches
• Maintaining ties or social connections can be difficult

Depression and Anxiety: Are They Related?

It’s vital to remember that depression and anxiety are complex disorders that affect people differently. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all guide that can be applied to every circumstance.

It is critical to respect the person’s boundaries and not impose anything on them. Above all, you should always encourage them to consult with a specialist.

How to Help Someone with Depression and Anxiety?

Helping someone who is suffering from depression or anxiety might be difficult, but there are some things you can do to help them:

• Listen to them and acknowledge their sentiments: Let them know you care about them and that their feelings are valid.
• Encourage them to seek professional assistance: Depression is a serious disorder that frequently necessitates expert assistance. Encourage them to seek the services of a therapist or psychiatrist.
• Assist them in developing realistic goals: Depressed people frequently struggle with setting and achieving goals. Help them make small, attainable goals and offer to assist them in achieving those goals.
• Be patient with them: Depression is a chronic illness that takes time to recover from. Be kind and gentle with your loved one while they fight through their despair.
• Encourage them to keep healthy habits: Make them not give up on healthy living with gentle advice and reminders. Do not be pushy!
• Encouragement goes a long way: Motivate them to spend time with friends and family to help them create a support system.
• Educate yourself: Learn about depression and how to help someone who is suffering from it.
• Remind them that things will improve: Remind them that depression is a treatable disorder that will improve with time and professional assistance.

How to Help Someone with Depression who doesn’t want Help?

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