how do you handle somebody's depression?

Answer 1

YOU CANT TREAT IT BUT ONLY BE THERE FOR THEM~! SOMEONE HAS TO "CHEER THEMSELVES UP" AND SOMETIMES GET HELP~!

Answer 2

This is a hard question. I know from being a sufferer of depression, its never easy for others to understand. All I can tell is what I appreciated people doing for me when I felt low.

Don’t try to cheer them up! Its like putting a band aid on a broken bone. Just listen! Let them talk about what they are feeling, just hear what they have to say. Don’t offer solutions, just keep asking questions about how and why they feel that way, then listen. Sooner or later you’ll see what it is that is depressing them.

Offer to help them fix the problem, but don’t expect them to jump at the offer, when you feel so low really you don’t have the energy for life itself.

Answer 3

Depression is not only hard on the person suffering, but also for partners and family and friends too. All you can really do is be there to support him and listen if he/she wants to talk. However, you also need to look after yourself. Do you have family and/or friends you can talk to? You need to make sure you have some time for you and to do activities you enjoy. You will not be able to help him/her if you become ill yourself.

The Depression Learning Path contains further information about depression and how to come through it.

Answer 4

You cant do anything about it, all you can do is just try to understand, and give your advice that they should seek counseling, some professional help, and to be seen by a doctor for this problem. Depression will lead to many serious problems of illness, if not treated the right way!

Answer 5

Just be patient. Encourage them to seek help from a psychologist, not a psychiatrist. Yes, I know there are a lot of SSRI commercials out there these days, but it doesn't work for everyone. Infact, for a lot of people it's dangerous garbage. You can try and cheer them up, but don't focus on the depression and cheering them up, just invite them out or go to visit.

Answer 6

I say do nothing. Leave them be. Most depressed people feel better alone and when people try to cheer them up, it only makes them feel more outcast and depressed, because they feel they are letting you and those attempting to "cheer them up" down.

After my divorce, all my co-workers and friends wanted to take me to strip-clubs and out to play pool, but that would only make me feel worse and more depressed. The worst part I hated was all the people telling me how I was "Better off" and how I have a "fresh start" and stuff. I wanted to scream at them to shut up!

Just leave them alone, and hopefully they will either end their suffering or live with it.

Answer 7

One day at a time. You just have to be patient which can be very difficult at times. You also have to understand that you won't allways be able to cheer them up. I can't tell you how to handle them, you just have to find what works for you and them.

Answer 8

Take them dancing! Or to a comedy night club!

Answer 9

theirs nothing really you can do, except just be their for them and don't judge