How to Talk to Someone with Depression
In my previous video (click here), I talked about things we need to avoid when youâre speaking to people diagnosed with depression.
When someone is physically ill, itâs very obvious with the way how they work and how they interact, and by that time, you already know what to tell them like âTry to go home and take a rest.â âI can buy you some fruits.â âIf you need any help with tasks, just tell me and Iâll do the best that I can.â
But when it comes to mental illnesses, everyone in general, including me (which is ironic because I am diagnosed), itâs always hard to find your spot. I know, Iâve been talking about how debating has been one of my problems so I tried to put together some things that I myself, and maybe you, would like to hear.
So here are I think some ways on how to talk to someone with depression:
1. You can tell me how youâre feeling. Iâll listen and try to understand.
First of all, to explain something that we ourselves canât even understand is hard. Some of us would just be telling you, âI donât knowâ. But the idea that you are showing that you are trying to understand and not just concluding what Iâm going through is an enough help for me.
2. You can share once youâre ready. No need to rush. Iâm always here for you.
Everything comes at the right time. There would be times when we wanted to be alone, and please, donât think of us as an asshole if we ignore your texts or calls. When you show to us how patient you are, we know that you truly care.
3. Hereâs a funny and embarrassing story that happened todayâŚ
I know this doesnât work most of the times. My bestfriend always does this and most of the times, it works, and sometimes, I didnât care because Iâm numb (ugh medications). But when you try to divert our attention and showing to us that we are someone whom you are willing to tell stories gives some points to our self-worth.
4. I can even help you with some tasks.
Think about depression as when youâre in bed and the bed keeps hugging you and you feel that itâs eating you alive. Thatâs depression. Most of people with depression shows symptoms such as not caring much about their personal hygiene or doing any chores. Getting up out of bed is really hard. But also, for some, please donât abuse *wink*
5. I always admire you for being *insert that personâs achievements*
This will help us boost our self-worth and self-esteem. This will help us get reminded that thereâs a time in our life that we achieved something and that our life is worth celebrating.
6. You are not nag-iinarte or weak.
Itâs very important to accept the fact that any mental illness is real. I know, some people are high maintenance, but it is not their choice. Additionally, people suffering from mental illness keep what theyâre going through because people think that having illness is a sign of weakness and that everyone should look after them 24/7.
7. Donât blame yourself. Itâs not your fault.
One common symptom or a trigger is when you feel guilt. People with depression think that because sometimes, they canât function properly, they are to be blamed for not being productive. Also, they feel bad everytime they say âNoâ to social gatherings, for becoming disorganized or for forgetting something.
Sometimes, space is important. And most of the times, listening with compassion and showing you truly care are more than enough than words.
These ways to talk to people doesnât really apply to all cases. Even myself, I forget my limitations. You are his/her friends so try to put yourself to his/her shoes. We are all human beings and by nature, what we all wanted is to feel loved.
prguitarman
gummygunk
dailybridgerton
kianamaiart
pixelskylines
germansingergirl
2087
