A starter guide
Table of content
Introduction
Let me give you an applause for taking such a vibrant decision to help someone with depression. I want to congratulate you from my heart for coming forward to help depressed people.
When you read these statistics you will know how you can be part of a support system in India for self care mental health initiative.
Government record said that are only 898 psychologists against requirement of 20,250 - Economic Times
According to WHO International organisation's data, there are only three psychiatrists and psychologists for every 1,00,000 people. - The Logical Indian
No. of people in depression in India are 5,66,75,969 - Mind Voyage
When it comes to postpartum depression in India it affects approximately 20-25% of first time mothers, approximately 6 Million women per year - Hindustan Times, UNICEF
So imagine your initiative to help someone with depression is highly appreciated. In this article I will show you 11 ways to help someone with depression. This is your starter guide to begin your lessons into helping depressed people.
However, with this starter guide I will also give you more resources so that you can be fully equipped to support people in depression.
My friend, depression is a common mental health condition and not a disease. It can affect anyone irrespective of age, gender or social status. It's caused by several factors such as genetics, traumatic events, chronic illnesses or hormonal imbalances.
If left untreated, depression can lead to severe consequences such as self-harm or even suicide. Thus it is essential to support and help those who are battling with depression.
One of the most effective ways to help someone struggling with depression is by being there for them, listening and validating their feelings without judgement. Encouraging them to seek professional help from a therapist or psychiatrist can also make a huge difference in their recovery journey.
Additionally, ensuring they maintain healthy habits such as regular exercise, eating well-balanced meals and getting enough sleep can also aid in improving their mood.
For women experiencing postpartum depression (PPD), be with them. As mentioned above, do not enter into judgement and just acknowledge their feelings. Generally PPD happens post delivery. The initial stage is called baby blues.
You can quickly go through an online postpartum depression test to verify whether it's baby blues or PPD. With proper care and management techniques put into place, those suffering from depression can overcome this mental illness and improve their quality of life significantly.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental condition that affects millions of people worldwide due to several causes. It is characterised by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and life events.
Make a note that while everyone experiences occasional feelings of sadness or disappointment, it cannot be called depression. This happens during various situations. While depression is much more severe and long-lasting.
There are several treatment options available for those suffering from depression. Here is treatment with medicine and treatment without medicine. People who have crossed moderate depression may need treatment with medicine.
However, I want to caution you here that do not prescribe any antidepressants by yourself to them. You must take the depressed person to a professional doctor who may prescribe the necessary antidepressants.
Treatment without medicine is always a good option for all types of depression such as mild depression, moderate depression, major depression or severe depression or clinical depression, bipolar depression and unipolar depression.
Music therapy is now evidence based and has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and can help individuals relax and unwind. It can help to overcome depression without any side effects.
If you know someone who is struggling with depression, it's important to offer support and encouragement. Encourage them to seek professional help if needed and reassure them that they are not alone in their struggle.
Small gestures like listening without judgement or offering to spend time together can also make a big difference in supporting someone with depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
It is essential to recognise the signs and symptoms of depression before attempting to help someone. Depression can manifest in a variety of ways, including changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, people with depression may withdraw from social situations or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
If you know someone who is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to approach them with compassion and empathy. One way to support them is by offering positive affirmations that can help boost their self-esteem and confidence.
Remind them that they are valued and loved despite what they might be feeling at the moment. Encourage them to seek professional help if necessary but avoid being pushy or judgmental about it.
Overall, helping someone with depression requires patience and understanding. By recognising the signs and symptoms early on and offering support through positive affirmations and other means, you can make a difference in their journey towards healing.
Recognising Depression in Others
Now you know that depression affects many people worldwide, and it's essential to recognise the signs of depression in others to help them get the support they need. Individuals with depression may experience a range of symptoms, including low mood, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt and difficulty concentrating. If you notice any of these symptoms in someone close to you, it is important to offer your support and encourage them.
You can also motivate them to just do a quick online depression test that will help them understand that they really need help to come out of depression. Sometimes people in depression do not know that they are in depression. They feel lost. So help them with an online depression test.
Apart from that, to help someone with depression is by listening non-judgmentally when they want to talk about their feelings. Assure them that you are there for them no matter what, and validate their experiences.
Remember that recovery from depression takes time and patience; be supportive throughout the process while also taking care of yourself.
In conclusion, recognising the signs of depression in others is an important step towards helping them get the support they need. By offering a listening ear without judgement and encouraging to conduct a quick online depression test when necessary, we can create safer spaces where individuals feel comfortable seeking assistance for mental health challenges like depression.
Your basics are clear, now let me share with you 11 ways you can help someone with depression.
11 Ways to Help Someone with Depression
1. Be there for them: One of the most important things you can do for someone with depression is to simply be there for them. Listen to what they have to say and offer your support when needed. You don't need to have all the answers, but being a shoulder to lean on can make all the difference.
2. Encourage quick online depression test: While you may want to help your loved one in any way possible, it's important to remember that you are not a trained professional. Hence, first check their depression status. If the depression status shows mild or moderate depression then you can lead them to self help depression treatment which has no side effects. Looking at the condition you may also encourage your friend or family member to seek out professional help if they haven’t already done so. Assure them that doing so is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
3. Help with practical tasks: Depression can make even simple tasks feel impossible, such as going grocery shopping or doing laundry. Offer to help with these types of practical tasks and chores without expecting anything in return, as they can take an emotional toll on people dealing with depression and anxiety.
4. Avoid offering solutions: The person with depression is likely aware that they need to seek help and may be scared to do so. Instead of telling them what you think they should do, let them know that you are there for support and are willing to accompany them on the journey.
5. Validate their feelings: It’s important to understand that depression is not a choice or something someone can simply “snap out of”. It is a real mental health condition that has a profound impact on the way they think, feel and act.
6. Don't judge: It's not your responsibility to fix their depression or anxiety. The person suffering from these disorders may have been struggling with them for years.
7. Empathise: If you have ever suffered from depression or anxiety, let them know that you understand what they are going through and that you have experienced similar emotions.
8. Encourage them to seek professional help: If you are concerned that your loved one may be experiencing depression or anxiety, encourage them to see their physician and consult a mental health professional.
9. Avoid the word depressed: Use the term “low feel-good factor” instead of depressed when describing someone suffering from depression or anxiety.
10. Suggest a change in routine: People with depression or anxiety typically have established ways of coping and may feel that they are trapped in their current way of life. Change can be scary, but it might be just what is needed to break through the cycle of negativity.
11. Take a walk: It’s easy to get trapped in a cycle of negative thinking. Getting outdoors can help you refocus and see things differently.
My friend, if you really want to help someone with depression then ensure that you are first equipped with all the necessary information I have shared above. Prepare yourself first before you give your hand to others.
At this point I once again want to congratulate you for this selfless service. At the end of this blog I have shared my ebook called 66 Ways to help someone with depression - A starter Guide. I have written it so that it can be a very handy tool for you to support your near and dear one.
Maintaining Compassion and Understanding
Maintaining compassion and understanding is crucial when helping someone with depression. Remember depression is a mental health condition and not a disease, and it affects people differently.
Some people may experience it mildly, while others may have severe symptoms that impact their ability to cope with daily life activities. To help someone with depression, you need to be patient and empathetic towards them.
It's essential to understand that depression isn't something that can be fixed overnight or by a single act of kindness. It takes time, effort, and sometimes professional help to overcome it.
Therefore, you should avoid pressuring the person into feeling better or telling them what they should do. Instead, listen actively and validate their feelings without judgement.
Lastly, educate yourself about depression and its various symptoms so you can offer practical support. Go through the online depression test by yourself so when need be you can help the person to check his/her depression status.
For women who have delivered a child, they go through baby blues and if prolonged then it becomes postpartum depression. Therefore you learn how to conduct this online postpartum test by yourself and then share it with your near and dear ones.
Inspire them to go for self help depression treatment. It is the most safe way which also has no side effects. Be with them during this journey to overcome depression on their own.
Encourage the person to seek professional help if necessary or accompany them for psychological evaluations or therapy sessions if they're comfortable with it. Above all else, always remain kind and supportive throughout the process as recovery from depression requires a lot of love, patience & bravery from both parties involved in the journey of healing!
Mental Health Resources
It can be challenging to know how to help someone with depression, but there are mental health resources available that can provide support and guidance. Encourage your loved one to seek out a therapist or counsellor who specialises in treating depression. They may also benefit from attending support groups for individuals with depression.
In addition to professional resources, there are also self-help strategies that can be helpful for managing depression symptoms. Encourage your loved one to prioritise self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating habits, and getting enough sleep. Activities such as meditation and mindfulness practices may also be beneficial.
Remember that it is important for you to take care of yourself as well when supporting someone with depression. Consider reaching out to a therapist or counsellor yourself if you need additional support in navigating this process.
Depression Resources
Here I am going to share two types of resources which you can access to train yourself to help someone in depression. There are free resources and paid resources that our Team Yaha has developed.
Free resources on depression
1. Conduct Online Test - This is a free online depression test 1.0. With this test you will know whether a person is in depression or not. It will take 2-3 minutes to finish this online test. So go through this test first on your own. Whenever you are going to help someone with depression you can introduce this test to them. See whether they have depression or not. Be with them during the test. If they are unable to understand then help them.
2. Join Online Forum - This is an online overcome depression forum. Join this forum. Go through all the questions and sharing people have done here so you know what response to share in various conditions. Share your experience on this forum so you can also support others.
3. Read Treatment Guide - Go through this free mild depression treatment and moderate depression treatment guide. This will help understand how you can help someone who has mild depression or moderate depression. It is advised that you read these ebooks carefully at least 4 to 6 times so your concepts get clear.
4. Read Suicide Prevention Guide - During depression, people tend to get suicidal thoughts. You have to help them overcome it. I suggest you read this ebook at least 8-10 times. Learn the basics from this how to overcome suicidal thoughts during depression.
Paid Resources for depression
1. Digital Downloads - There are various self help ebooks, audio kits and treatment kits on depression. Based on how much you want to help other people to overcome depression you can select any of these depression treatment products and download them.
2. 45 Days Depression Treatment - This is a guided treatment. If you really want to help someone with depression then I suggest you must use this. You can become a guide to your near and dear ones during their depression phase. Help them how to use this treatment and be with them while they are using it. Make sure you inspire them to continue it for 45 days.
3. 45 Days Postpartum Depression Treatment - If you really want to help your near and dear one or anyone to overcome postpartum depression then use this guided treatment. All the necessary steps are given in this treatment. It is simple and easy to use. Be a strong support to them while using this treatment. This is a self help and self paced treatment. Very easy to use.
4. Online Course - Depression Treatment Guide - This online video course on depression will help you to learn every basic thing that needs to be understood in the context of depression. Join this course so that you know all the necessary steps about depression treatment. It is a self paced course so you can do it from anywhere.
5. Depression Therapy - If you want to help anyone with mild depression or moderate depression you may subscribe to this depression therapy which comes with both these options.
Conclusion: Offering Support
In offering support to someone with depression, it's important to understand that everyone is different and requires a unique approach. However, there are some essential steps you can take to help them. Firstly, listen without judgement; let them share their feelings and thoughts without interrupting or belittling them. Secondly, encourage professional help; suggest therapy or counselling as a way of helping them get the support they need.
Another way of supporting someone with depression is by being there for them consistently. It could be through regular check-ins via phone calls or visits to ensure they know that you care about their wellbeing. Additionally, try to create a safe environment for your loved one by facilitating self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating habits, and engaging in social activities.
Use all the free and paid resources for depression that I have shared above. Learn everything about depression treatment before you start helping others to overcome depression.
My friend as mentioned earlier I am going to share this ebook 66 ways to help someone with depression - A starter guide. I want you to download this ebook and learn all these 66 ways. It is important for you to have all the necessary understanding and ways to deal with a depressed person.
Finally, remember that helping someone with depression can be emotionally taxing; therefore, it's crucial to establish boundaries for yourself while still providing the necessary support. By practising self-care and seeking emotional support when needed from friends or professionals, you'll be better equipped to provide assistance more effectively in the long run.
Free resources to overcome depression
1. Join Course - How to overcome depression online course
Discover the key to overcoming depression with our powerful online course. This course is facilitated by Dr. Falguni Jani, India’s leading integral psychotherapist. She provides expert guidance and support throughout the course by offering various practical techniques, tools and strategies needed to overcome depression. Her life experience of 25+ years in helping 1000s of individuals to beat depression has been accumulated in this course. Enrol now by joining the course and take the first step towards regaining your happiness and life.
2. Start Diagnosis - Online depression test
The online depression test has been used by 34000+ people globally. It is scientifically researched and provides you with as an assessment of whether you are in depression or not. The test is researched and developed under the guidance of Dr. Falguni Jani. It is created using reference from WHO ICD 10 Code for depression.
3. Join Forum - Overcome depression forum
Join our Overcome Depression Forum which is dedicated to supporting and helping individuals who are on the journey of overcoming depression with self help tools & methods. You can connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges of dealing with depression and also have overcome depression using self help methods. It is a safe and non-judgemental space where you can freely share your experience, thoughts, questions and seek support. This forum is led by Dr. Falguni Jani. She will answer your questions within 72 hours.
4. Download Ebook - Mild depression treatment ebook
Discover effective strategies to overcome mild depression with our mild depression treatment guide ebook. This ebook provides practical tips and techniques to help you overcome mild depression with ease on your own. Written by Dr. Falguni Jani, you will get the best expert support in this step-by-step guide. With easy-to-follow methods, techniques and tools, you can choose your best treatment method from the variety of treatment options suggested by her for mild depression.
5. Download Ebook - Moderate depression treatment ebook
Overcome moderate depression with ease from the effective treatment options suggested by Dr. Falguni Jani. With 25+ years of experience in treating depression patients, she has carefully given practical techniques which work for moderate depression. Choose whichever self-help treatment that suits you best and begin your journey to overcome moderate depression with ease. Download the moderate depression treatment ebook today and take the first step towards a happier depression-free life.
6. Download Ebook - How to overcome suicidal thoughts during depression ebook
Going through suicidal thoughts happens to many during their battle with depression. Discover the ultimate guide to conquering suicidal thoughts during depression by with our ebook. Written by Dr. Falguni Jani, this book is packed with proven techniques and tools to help you overcome suicidal thoughts during depression. Lots of individuals have been benefited and have been able to overcome suicidal thoughts and gradually reduce their depression symptoms. Gain resilience, confidence, motivation and support through this ebook.
7. Join Group - Wellbeing prayers
Join our Wellbeing Prayers group and experience the power of collective positive energy. This group is dedicated to promoting mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing through the practice of prayer. Praying has nothing to do with any religion. It is a safe and non-judgemental space which is not bound by religion or cult. It is open to all who believe in praying. By joining, you will have the opportunity to pray with like-minded individuals who share a common goal of finding inner peace and serenity. Together, we will create a supportive and uplifting community where you can seek solace, share your thoughts, and receive encouragement. Join us today and send wellbeing prayers to all.