Living with someone suffering from Depression?
Firstly what is depression? In a layman’s terms, depression is a strong feeling of helplessness, due to which a person is not able to function normally at home or at work.
Technically speaking depression is when a person feels sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, angry, ashamed or restless. They may lose interest in activities that were once pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details or making decisions, experience relationship difficulties and may contemplate, attempt or commit suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, aches, pains, digestive problems or reduced energy may also be present.
Frequently, I am asked what can I do, if I am living with someone who is suffering from depression? Here are 7 ways you can help:
- In the first place, make it clear that you want to help, listen without judgment and offer support.
- Also, encourage them to seek professional help Offer to accompany them to their appointments with the psychologist, mental health professional or counselor.
- If medication is prescribed, help them take it as it is prescribed. Also, please be patient with your patient, the medicine takes a time to make them feel better.
- Help them with everyday tasks, and to have regular eating and sleeping pattern.
- Encourage them to exercise regularly and also to partake in social activities
- Learn more about depression, update your information on this illness.
- If they are thinking of self-harm, to have already attempted to harm themselves, do not leave them alone, and remove dangerous things such as sharp objects, medicines, and guns away from them.
In conclusion, when you live with someone with depression, you can help them recover, but you need to take care of yourself first. Thus, Depression is a disease that can be cured.
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About Dr. Prerna Kohli
Dr. Kohli believes that “You can talk with a close friend or relative about what’s troubling you, but it’s not the same as a professionally-trained experienced psychologist who knows exactly what kind of help you need.”
She is a 100 women Achievers Award Winner (2016) from the Honorable President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
Dr. Prerna Kohli is a Clinical Psychologist, a Public Speaker, a Workshop Facilitator and a Holistic Practitioner. She offers Heart-based workshops and lectures that focus on Life Balance, Self-awareness, and Inner Peace. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and compassion with others. Prerna blends intuitive wisdom with a solid understanding. And creating a powerful holistic approach, specializing in the areas of Emotional change.
Dr. Prerna Kohli is a leading Psychologist in India. With over 20 years of experience and has been providing families, individuals, parents and children counseling on being happy.
