If you have a family member or a loved one is dealing with depression that can be a scary thing. You worry about them and you feel helpless to assist them. There are many things you can do to help your loved one through bouts of depression. The first and probably most important thing you can do is talk to them. Let them know they're not alone. Let them know their loved and that you understand their problems.
Depression is very real. When someone is dealing with oppression they cannot just get over it. It is very important that you realized that when you are talking was someone suffering from depression. Depression is an illness that is usually best treated with a doctor's help. Many people suffering from depression are reluctant to seek the help of a doctor. There are a number of things that you can do to help ease the path toward medical help.
One of the biggest fears people have when faced with a family member or loved one suffering with depression is the possibility of suicide. Most people who are depressed are not suicidal, conversely almost every suicide is caused by depression.
Most people who are suicidal will talk about it directly or indirectly in one form or another. Listen for things like the direct statement I be better off dead, or more importantly subtle clues such as you'd be better off etc. Never ignore the signs of suicide.
There are many other signs of depression besides thoughts of depression. If a loved one you know is sleeping too much, not eating or excessively eating, if they're talking more than usual or seemed to be flipping from stopped a thought, or even just talking about being stressed out these can be signs of depression.
People dealing with depression are often resistant to seek help. Don't wait for them to ask. You can start up by mentioning that they seemed stressed out or upset. Let them know you're there for them to talk to. Let them know you won't judge them. People who are depressed fear others will look down on them. Depression is often caused by the desire to overcompensate, or be the best, or just live up to others' expectations.
You can help by letting your depressed loved one know that you care about them and love them no matter what. You can help by being prepared to point them in the direction of counseling or Physicians that can help them. Offer to go with them. Let them know you'll be there with them throughout the whole treatment.
If at any time your friend or loved one experiences any psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices, hallucinations, remember that these appear very real to the depressed person. Consult a Physician or a psychiatrist. These issues are treatable.
If you feel your friend or loved one may hurt themselves or someone else call 911. It is very important to get help immediately. Don't wait to see what happens, this is truly a case of better safe than sorry.
It's true that the person who is depressed does not always appreciate interference. Once they have recovered or begin to recover they do understand and will appreciate your help. You're being there for your loved one whether it's just talking to them about their problems, showing them how much you love them, or when necessary getting them the help they need will help them live happier and more productive lives.
There is a lot of help available, we know more about depression today and how it affects our lives than ever before. We know that it is an illness and not a stigma. Most of all we know that we can help.
Posts Tagged ‘Helping’
Helping A Loved One With Depression
September 6th, 2010 
admin 
Helping Your Friend Or Family Member Deal With Panic Attacks At Night
July 28th, 2010 admin Panic attacks often strikes when you least expect it to happen. According to studies, a lot of people start to experience episodes of panic attacks starting the age of 15 to 25. A lot of people suffer symptoms of this disorder throughout their lifetimes. However, the good news is that most of those who are suffering from panic attack recover from this disorder and are able to lead a normal life.
If you live with somebody who is suffering from panic attacks at night, you should learn to deal with the situation and help that person come to terms with his or her fears. Always remember that with proper support people who often suffer panic attacks at night can recover from their ailments.
Panic attacks at night often happen when the person is asleep or just about to fall asleep. Since panic attacks at night often occur without warning, when the person is really in no real danger of anything, you should always be prepared to recognize the first signs of panic attacks.
Some of the common symptoms of panic attack at night are shortness of breath, chest pain, choking feeling, fainting, sweating, hot flashes, trembling or shaking, abdominal distress, nausea, numbness, racing heart or palpitations and others. Since these signs and symptoms are often associated with other types of ailments, you should make sure that your friend or family member is not suffering from a more serious ailment.
To do this, you need to observe the closely. Make sure that at least four of the signs and symptoms described above are present before you conclude that your friend or family member is merely suffering from a panic attack. However, if the person has no history of panic attacks, call the ambulance.
When a friend or family member suffers panic attack at night, it can be really frustrating. Remember that your friend or family member is not really in the mortal danger they think they are in. Try to stay calm. If your friend or family member is taking medications for panic attacks, give him or her medication when appropriate. Be considerate and never force your friend or family member to directly confront his or her fears. And make sure your friend or family member is under a doctor's care for panic attacks.
It is best to very considerate towards anyone suffering from this condition. When the person recovers the help rendered will be highly appreciated.
Posted in Panic Attacks 
Tags: Attacks, Deal, Family, Friend, Helping, Member, Night, Panic, Panic Attacks 
No Comments »Helping Yourself Deal With Depression
March 5th, 2010 admin Millions of people deal with depression every year. There are some things you can do to help yourself manage your depression in order to be able to function normally in your life. One of the first things you can do is to realize you are not alone. One of the main symptoms of depression is the feeling that you are drowning in your problems and that no one understands or can help. It's so overwhelming that you feel is no stopping at. Knowing that others can help and will understand what can be the first step to helping yourself conquer depression.
Talking to friends, or your family can alleviate the stress and help you to realize that the problems you are facing are not as insurmountable as they feel. They can also help you feel loved when you feel most insignificant. Talking out your problems to others even if you know they can't help your particular situation often helps you to deal with it yourself.
If you absolutely can't find someone else to talk to, they can sometimes help to verbalize your problems there by talking it out with yourself. Sometimes our fears and our worries get so bottled up that they built up in our minds to much larger problems than they really are. Talking them out even to yourself can bring things into perspective.
If you feel uncomfortable talking to yourself about your problems write them down to the journal. Sometimes it helps to write out your feelings. You might be surprised at how much you begin to write once you start letting your emotions flow out.
Above all realize that it is okay to express your feelings. It's okay to cry if you have to, it's okay to feel happy, it's okay to feel sad; all of these emotions are normal at expressions of your inner feelings and fears.
Another way to help deal with depression is to look at a situation with realistic goals. Sometimes we play so much stress on ourselves feeling we have to accomplish huge and lofty goals that are above and beyond just about every mortal. Setting realistic goals can greatly reduce the stress in your life.
If you have a large cast to accomplish a can create a lot of stress and tension and bring on depression if it isn't going the way you think it should. Try breaking up your testing the smaller more manageable ones accomplishing each to get to your larger goal.
Exercise more. Exercising releases hormones into your body that helps to deal with stress and tension and alleviates depression. Getting rid of all the junk food and caffeine can also go a long way to making yourself feel good both physically and mentally.
Alcohol and nicotine are major depressives that add to feelings of inadequacy and depression. You can work out in your own home, join a gym, take a yoga class or anything that makes you feel good. And don't forget the importance of getting enough sleep. Sleep also releases hormones into your body that alleviates stress and tension.
If you have a hobby or a long forgotten hobby this may be the perfect time to start it back up again. Having something that you enjoy doing to take your mind off it troubles and after a while make you realize how insignificant those problems really are.
Depression is treatable. There may be times when the above methods can help you deal with your depression and you can get through it on your own. It is important to remember that if your depression lasts for more than a week or isn't alleviated by any of the above helps to seek the help of a Physician.
There's no reason to live with depression. You are not to blame. Others will understand. You can get through it and if you need help you need to ask for it.
