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What To Say When Someone Is Depressed Or Anxious
You could start the conversation by asking questions such as: It seems like things have been hard for you lately. Whats on your mind? and: What can I do to help?
Something Ive learnt is to ask sincere, open-ended questions like, How does this feel? So the other person can feel supported, comforted and safe, rather than being told what to do. ayrc_1904
When you want to bring up a sensitive issue with a friend, try to choose a time and place when youre both comfortable, relaxed and theres some privacy. Dont push them if they dont want to talk, and be there for them if they become upset. You might not have an answer or a solution, but just being there to listen can be super helpful.
It might be difficult for your friend to accept your help continue to check in with them and let them know that you care about them, and that youre there for them if they need you.
Dont Be Afraid To Get A Diagnosis
Its surprising how many people with depression actually fear getting a diagnosis. Often, while they suspect they may be suffering from a mental health disorder, when its made official they feel stigmatized and feel as if their identity is being threatened. Its important to recognize that, whether or not you receive an official diagnosis, depression will still weigh heavily on you. Once you have an official diagnosis, you will have the options put in front of you that can help you begin the journey towards recovery. If you never get a diagnosis, then effective treatment will remain unreachable and, over time, your depression will probably get worse.
Recommended Reading: How To Help Me With Depression
How To Talk To Friends About Your Depression
Deciding to tell the people you love that you’re struggling with depression is a big step. Not only is it challenging to find the energy to reach out to people, but there are naturally worries about how the news of your diagnosis will be received.
Unfortunately, there are too many misconceptions about mental health and what it means and the last thing you need is to be judged negatively because of it.
But, opening up about your depression is one of the most effective ways to get the help and support you need at a time when you likely feel vulnerable and alone, especially if you choose to disclose your illness to people that you know and trust.
Remember though, you are in control and you get to choose who knows and who doesn’t. Just don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from opening up to the people who care about you.
If you’re considering disclosing your diagnosis to the people close to you but just aren’t sure how to start the conversation, here are some things to consider.
Where Do I Begin
Its often challenging to find the right words to tell another person youre feeling depressed. One of the best ways to begin to do this is to draw up a list of things that are making you think you could be suffering from depression. If you can write your symptoms down, you wont forget anything that could prove to be important later on, and youll also have something to show the person you need to speak to if your words fail you at the last moment.
Its only natural to have anxiety about telling other people you have depression. After all, it isnt something we generally talk about on a daily basis. Yet, you shouldnt feel any shame about what youre feeling. Youre still yourself, whether or not youre suffering from depression. However, depression is an illness that has an impact on the way you feel and the way in which youre experiencing the world.
Some people find it helpful to have web links that they can show their friends, family members or other people that they choose to open up to. These links can answer any questions they have and help them to understand what youre going through.
Recommended Reading: Major Depressive Disorder Disability Rating
Im Really Sorry Youre Going Through This Im Here For You If You Need Me
The fact is, theres no perfect thing to say to someone living with depression. Your words wont cure them. But they can help.
Reminding someone that youre there for them whenever they need you whether thats in the form of help with a small task or someone to call in a crisis can be so essential to saving a life.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there are three categories of suicide warning signs to look out for:
Signs That Someone May Be Depressed
Depression has lots of possible symptoms.
You may notice that someone:
- has lost interest in doing things they normally enjoy
- seems to be feeling down or hopeless
- has slower speech and movements or is more fidgety and restless than usual
- feels tired or does not have much energy
- is overeating or has lost their appetite
- is sleeping more than usual or is not able to sleep
- has trouble concentrating on everyday things, such as watching TV or reading the paper
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How Do I Go Deeper In Therapy
There are many ways to go deeper to your therapy, and a few are: find a therapist that will complement you and your condition and most importantly, help you in the best way possible put first your concerns focus on the process not the end goal open yourself to willingness for the treatment participate in the recommended interventions try again if the first or first few times do not work and be patient and kind with yourself along the process.
For Those Whove Overcome Their Depression What Did You Do
I help mod at r/getting_over_it a depression and anxiety recovery sub. The premise of the sub is what drew me to it: learning to cross that final bridge from subsistence to actually living and enjoying life.
Ive dealt with depression for most of my life. At the moment Im doing ok, better than I have been for a long time. Still, it is more that I manage my depression rather than having actually overcome it.
Thats where a lot of info. on depression falls short. There is a plethora of info. on recognizing if youre depressed, anxious etc. and managing those symptoms. There seems to be far less info. on moving from coping and subsisting to actually thriving. Maybe part of the issue is the very human, unending quest for happiness. Even those who have not been burdened by depression have a difficult time finding happiness.
It only occurred to me recently that those whove overcome depression probably dont spend much time in forums about depression. Hence, why I thought it would be a good question to ask a broader audience.
So, for those who were able to overcome depression in a sustainable manner, how were you able to and what habits did you have to cultivate?
EDIT: Thank you so much everyone for all your incredible stories and words of wisdom! This turned out to be a very gratifying exchange. Ill be sure to link this post for our next Motivational Monday.
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Therapist Questions For Depression
In this article, we will be discussing therapist questions for depression, questions for depression, how to answer your therapists questions and frequently asked questions about depression.
When one comes into a therapy clinic, the client or the clients company will be asked several questions regarding the individuals background and health, including mental conditions.
Before someone is diagnosed with depression or any psychological disorder, clinicians make assessments and conduct tests and evaluations.
Some tools such as battery of tests, test questionnaires, mental status examination forms used are adopted from other mental health professionals, others have been widely used as it is established while others produce their own. But it should be a reliable and a valid instrument before utilizing it in the practice.
This Quiz Can Help You Determine Whether Or Not You May Be Struggling With Depression
- Are you having feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness?
- Yes
Recommended Reading: Depressed And No One Cares
How Do You Know If Your Friend Is Going Through A Tough Time
Sometimes its hard to know the difference between the regular ups and downs of life, and mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. Someone experiencing mental health concerns might feel ashamed, and worried about how their friends might react if they talk about it.
Not everyone experiences depression or anxiety in the same way, and symptoms can vary however, there are changes in the way a person going through a tough time acts that you can look out for. If your friend is experiencing depression, they might:
- seem down or tearful a lot of the time, or cranky more often
- stay up really late or sleep in a lot, or have problems with sleep
- miss a lot of school, work or their regular activities
- miss hangouts or often cancel at the last minute
- eat more or less than usual
- drink alcohol or take drugs more than usual
- talk about feeling empty, tired or worthless
- seem more pessimistic and hopeless, and like they have less energy in general.
If your friend is experiencing anxiety, they might:
- be obsessed with details, such as being a perfectionist or wanting to plan things out thoroughly
- have difficulty making decisions
- avoid new people, situations or unfamiliar places
- have trouble keeping to schedules or plans
- seem disinterested, forgetful, distracted or scattered
- have digestive issues
- have a need to reassurance about how you feel, whether plans make sense, triple checking times
- have difficulty sleeping
Learn more about what anxiety is and how to recognise the symptoms.
Ok Im Feeling Depressed So Now What
Now that you know the symptoms of depression, some positive coping skills can be useful. All of the following techniques are supported by scientific research and medication prescribers like psychiatrists and these skills are frequently recommended as important parts of treatment even for patients who continue to take antidepressant medications.
WARNING: Do not suddenly go off your prescribed antidepressant medications without first talking to your medical provider. Discuss any questions or concerns about the side effects of your medications with your provider.
Recommended Reading: Home Treatment For Anxiety And Depression
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Reach Out Where You Feel The Most Comfortable
Some people feel most comfortable talking to close friends or family when they are going through a depressive episode. But some people actually feel more comfortable talking to someone less familiar, such as a general practitioner or a stranger on the other end of a helpline. No way is right or wrong as long as youre taking the step to ask for help.
Remember That Depression Isnt Just About Sad Feelings
Sometimes, depression is like a constant, negative stream of self-criticism and self-loathing. People with depression can feel constantly doomed to hopelessness, disappointment, failure, and hopelessness. Depression is a serious emotional health issue its not just feeling sad or having a bad day.
If you feel more depressed in the winter, read Seasonal Depression Disorder How Light Therapy Helps.
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Types Of Health Practitioners
Finding a health professional who you can work with may depend on a number of things, including the approach they use and how comfortable you feel with the person.
Not everyone is right for you, and its important to get the right fit. The first health professional you see might not be right. When you first talk to a health professional, it can be useful to ask, How can you help me? or What can you do for me?. If you dont like their answer, or if youre not happy after the first session, you dont have to stay with them. Even though its hard to have to start again, its worth it to find someone who you feel comfortable with. You can always ask your friends if they use someone who they would recommend.
You can check if your health professional is a registered practitioner under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act. Being a registered practitioner means they are recognised and regulated by a professional body.
Your doctor
A visit to your family doctor or general practitioner is often the first step in getting help for physical or mental health problems.
Your doctor can assess your symptoms and talk with you about what might be the best way for you to get treatment. That might mean taking medication, going to talking therapy or referring you to someone else who has specialist knowledge.
Your doctor can also help you work out a self-help programme and keep an eye on your progress along the way
Psychotherapists or counsellors
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Learn To Say You Arent Ok
You may not feel ready to go into detail about the way that youre feeling at the moment. You may be unable to describe precisely how you feel, or put your finger on the reasons why you feel so bad. Rest assured that you dont actually have to. What you do need to do, though, is admit to others that youre not ok.
How often have other people asked you if youre ok and youve mindlessly said yes because you think its what youre expected to say and what they want to hear? We all do this from time to time, but people suffering from depression tend to do it routinely, even though theyre finding it extremely difficult to cope with everyday life.
Being able to tell other people that youre not actually alright and that you dont feel well is a great first step towards getting the help that you need for your problem. By simply saying that you arent ok out loud, you can start to reverse the isolation that is keeping you trapped in the depression youre experiencing.
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Asking For Mental Health Help
If you want to know where to get mental health help, this article touches a lot of the bases.
How To Talk With Someone Experiencing Depression
Words are powerful tools not just what you say, but also how you say it.
When you speak with a loved one about depression, using a neutral, supportive tone can help you prevent your questions or statements from sounding accusatory or condescending.
If youre not sure how to express what youre thinking, you may find it helpful to write it down first.
Body language may also play a role in supportive communication. For example, nodding and making eye contact can show the person that they have your full attention.
Your loved one may not open up fully about what theyre experiencing. If youve established a calm and positive conversation, you might get additional insight through Ive noticed statements.
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Its a good idea to avoid opinionated or leading statements that imply your loved one has control over their depression or is somehow choosing to remain in a depressive state.
Someone living with depression is often grateful for what they have. They may know it could be worse.
Most likely, your person desperately wants to be relieved of their feelings of emptiness and despair, but no matter how happy they might try to be, those feelings wont go away.
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