Society & Politics

How to Treat a Depressed Person: What to Do and What Not to Do

How to Treat a Depressed Person: What to Do and What Not to Do



If you have experienced being a part of a depressed person's life, you may have been lost of words. It can be hard to reach out to them. You may end up saying the wrongs things, which can hurt them or even anger them. This can be hard to deal with, as you only want to help, but you don't know how to approach them.

As someone who has experienced depression, I can tell you what you're doing right, and what you're doing wrong. Well, if you are at least trying to help, that in itself is amazing.


How to Treat a Depressed Person: What to Do and What Not to Do


Do not ask what's wrong. Just let them know that you'll be there for them.


When somebody is sad, it's natural instinct to ask what's wrong with them. It's only natural. This however may be a trigger, and could set them off or make them uncomfortable.


In my experience, when somebody was sad and I asked what was wrong, they only shook their heads or snapped at me. It doesn't work. You are only making it more hard for that person. Maybe they don't want to talk about it, or maybe deep down they want somebody to be there for them.


Sometimes, people are depressed for no reason at all, and they actually don't know why. Asking what's wrong emphasizes how arbuitrary the depression is. As someone who has been depressed in the past, I can tell you that there may be no reason at all for why I'm sad. Everything in my life could be absoultely wonderful, and I'm crying for what? I really don't know what's wrong. Sometimes I just want someone to be there for me, and that's enought to highten my mood.


Offer them a hug (If you're not on the internet), tell them you'll be there for them. Trust me, it's a lot more effective.


How to Treat a Depressed Person: What to Do and What Not to Do


Avoid being judgmental and condescending.


If you're dealing with somebody who is depressed, chances are they feel vunurable. They are trusting you to approach the suituation with an open mind and forgiving heart.


Be gentle and passive, don't go off yelling at them with mean words are an aggressive voice. You're only heightening the situation and making them feel cornered. Don't begin your advice with things like "You should've", "Why didn't you...?" or "You should", as the damage is already done, and saying things like that won't help. It may make them feel worse, or they may pity themselves.


If you prefer giving the cold, hard truth, and want to approach situations in a "tough love" manor, consider saying things like "You might want to consider...", and offer your support to them. It makes you seem much, much less judgmental.


How to Treat a Depressed Person: What to Do and What Not to Do


Be honest


Not brutally honest, but you know what I mean. Speak from your heart, but not in a judgmental way. You may not know what someone is going through, and you shouldn't lie and say that you do. That's okay. Still try to emphasize on some level that you'll be their shoulder to cry on.


Let them know that you haven't been in their situation before if you haven't, and you'll try to put yourself in their shoes and try to understand it the best that you can. Let them know that you'll lend an ear and listen to anything that they want to vent to you.


How to Treat a Depressed Person: What to Do and What Not to Do


Be kind and compassionate, say it from your heart


One of the worst things you can possibly do to a depressed person is be hostile to them. Be kind to them, and show it in your words an actions. If you love them, tell them that. If you care about them, tell them that too. Sometimes even that can make them feel better.


If you're close to the person,trying sending them a kind message, giving, or making something for them. give them a card saying you're thinking about them, or draw them a picture. Send them a sweet text message if you're far away or can't do those things. Showing that you care is a big help, trust me.


How to Treat a Depressed Person: What to Do and What Not to Do


Respect boundaries


If that person is constantly pushing you away and denying your help, it's best to leave them alone. That may be the best for them. They may lick their own wounds and get over it, who knows? Sometimes being left alone is the best medicine and may end up helping them feel better. I found this to be true at times.


If this happens to you, just let them know that you'll be there if they need to talk, and let them know that if they need anything, that you'll be there. That's all you can do.


Well, I hope these tips will help you if a family member or someone close is experiencing depression. Remember, that depression is an illness and may require medical help. You being there and helping the person through it a form of medicine, and can make a big difference in that person's life.


How to Treat a Depressed Person: What to Do and What Not to Do

How to Treat a Depressed Person: What to Do and What Not to Do
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