Everyone feels sad sometimes. Depression on the other hand, is a complex condition deep sadness, fatigue, feelings of worthless features, and social activities lose interest. About 15 million Americans are diagnosed with clinical depression each year.
1. Remember that they cannot help being affected by depression.
2. Encourage them to talk and listen to what they are saying.
3. Let them know that you care about them.
4. Stay in contact with them. Send a card, give them a ring, visit them in their home. Remember that depression can be a very isolating experience.
5. Help them to feel good about themselves by praising daily achievements.
6. Encourage them to help themselves by adopting self-help techniques.
7. Find out about support services available to them and to you (self-help groups, out-of-hours emergency support, help lines, etc).
8. Encourage them to visit their doctor, and ensure that they take any prescribed medication as directed.
