Depression is more than just a passing sadness, it is an emotional disorder that causes a feeling of constant sadness and a loss of interest in doing different activities, impairs the ability to enjoy, affects a person’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior, and can cause a variety of physical and emotional problems.
It is possible that there are difficulties in carrying out daily activities and that you think that life is not worth living. Depression is not a weakness and the affected person cannot recover overnight in a simple way, it may require long-term treatment. But we must not be discouraged.
Most people who have depression can get better and even get rid of their symptoms if they do proper treatment, follow medical recommendations and follow up consistently.
Also there are effective therapies for depression, including psychological and medication. Psychological treatments, also called psychotherapies, constitute the first line of treatment, they can be combined with antidepressants in cases of moderate and severe depression. Antidepressants are not necessary for mild depression. Psychotherapies can teach new ways of thinking, coping with situations, or relating to others.
But the psychiatrist’s prescriptions are not enough. The participation of the family and close people, as well as the patient himself, are very important, as the former can help, and the latter can help themselves.
How to help?
Depression is very difficult to understand for those who have not suffered from it and therefore it is of the utmost importance to have information about the disease and how it is possible to support those who suffer from it. This disorder not only affects those who suffer from it, it is capable of affecting the entire family. Therefore, a support program for the patient and their family will provide the possibility of ensuring compliance with treatment, in addition to engaging the family nucleus in therapy.
Moreover an understanding and open attitude is essential. It won’t do much good to tell a person with depression to cheer up or go out to have fun and entertain themselves. If you are close to someone who is depressed, it will be helpful to convey the feeling that you love them and that you are interested in their problems. The most important thing one can do for these people is to encourage them to accept the specialized help of a psychiatrist or psychologist and receive the appropriate treatment.
We must also advise the patient not to stop the treatment even when the symptoms improve, it is the doctor who must determine the end of the therapeutic plan and the way to do it.
Sometimes the depressed person may require a family member or friend to accompany them to the doctor. It is important to offer emotional support, this means understanding, patience, affection and encouragement. Find a way to talk and listen to him carefully. Don’t minimize the feelings he expresses, but point out the reality and offer hope. Do not ignore comments or allusions to suicide, inform the doctor who treats him or her. Invite them tactfully to walk, go to the movies, or do other activities. Gently persist if your invitation is declined and let them know that you want to work alongside them as if they were a team, with the goal of helping them. In order for you to maintain that support in the long term, it is important that you do not neglect your daily activities and make sure that you cover your needs.
When you support someone with this mental health condition, don’t be surprised if you have negative emotions like frustration, sadness, or anger. These feelings can surface when you’re trying to help a person who sometimes doesn’t respond as you would like.
It is important to plan social activities with other acquaintances and not alone as this reinforces the behavior pattern of the person with depression who tends to isolate. And above all, remember that he does not “pretend” to be sick, he is sick, he has depression. Keep that in mind and insist on telling him that with time and help he will feel better.
How to help yourself?
Depressive disorders are accompanied by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, pessimism, and helplessness. Negative thoughts gradually disappear as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime you can help yourself, for this here are some suggestions:
• Set realistic goals, taking depression into account, and don’t try to take on an excessive amount of responsibility.
• Break goals down into bite-sized pieces, set priorities, and do what you can, when you can.
• Try to be accompanied and trust someone, it is always better than being alone and not talking to anyone.
• Work to form a support network and maintain friendships.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Take part in activities that help you feel better.
• Exercising four to six times a week, for 30 minutes, is a good goal. Exercise can help lift your mood.
• Eat well-balanced, healthy foods.
• Do not consume drugs or alcoholic beverages.
• You should never consume medications suggested by other people or modify pharmacological treatment without consulting your doctor.
• Attend the consultations and therapies that your doctor schedules.
• When you feel a little inclined, go to the movies, visit friends, or participate in recreational, religious, social, or other activities. All of that can help you.
• It is advisable that you postpone important decisions until the depression improves. Before making major changes, such as changing jobs, homes, or getting divorced, consult with people who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
• Remember that rarely does a person get out of a depression from one day to the next. But you can feel a little better every day.
• Allow the possibility for your family and friends to help you.
• You must always remember that life has meaning under any circumstance.
Undoubtedly, the intervention of a psychiatrist or psychologist is essential for the treatment of depressive disorders, but along with their action must be added the patient’s desire to improve their situation. Depressions, even mild ones, left to their own devices tend to worsen but with timely treatment, the help of family and friends, and self-help, the possibility of getting out of the tunnel becomes a reality.
By: Israel Manuel Fagundo Pino / Translated by Radio Angulo
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