Living with someone who is battling depression can be emotionally draining and challenging. Depression often makes sufferers seem distant or emotionally detached, leading loved ones to feel helpless. It’s crucial to recognize that depression is a complex biochemical condition, not a mindset that can be easily changed.
Key tips for supporting a loved one include:
- Maintain emotional boundaries to preserve your own well-being.
- Avoid trying to “fix” the person or over-empathizing.
- Prioritize self-care to stay emotionally strong.
Supporting someone with depression is a long journey, and understanding the importance of balance between care and self-preservation is essential. If you know someone who is dealing with a depressed family member, the last thing they needs to hear is tips to cheer the patient up, as we aren’t talking about lifting a bad mood by eating out or going on a vacation. A better advice would be telling them to prioritise their needs as well, and take good care of themselves first, so that they can be emotionally strong to help the victim.
Source: YahooLifestyle