In such a fast paced life, people often tend to overlook their friend or family member showing symptoms of depression. Depression which is generally marked with feelings of sadness and helplessness is one of the most common health problems in our society and unfortunately many a time is taken for granted. The biggest victims today of depression are the females. In a recent study it was found that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression which may result from being too bored with their daily chores or suffering from a disease. It is very important for us not to take depression of a loved one lightly because this can become more serious with time if left untreated. A depressed person generally avoids talking about his/her depression because they feel that nobody would understand what they are going through.
Here are some early signs of depression which once noticed should be taken more seriously :
1. Change in eating habits that may cause a person to lose or gain weight.
2. Isolation or seclusion from family members.
3. Excessive crying.
4. Lose interest in sex.
5. Too much sleep or sleep deprived.
6. Restlessness
7. Feeling of exhaustion.
8. Feeling of guilty or being unworthy.
9. Sensitive to rejection.
10. Not talking or moving for several hours.
11. Not able to concentrate, remember or make decisions.
12. Suicidal thoughts.
How To Help A Friend Fighting Depression?
What really helps a depressed person is the feeling that somebody understands them and cares about them, that they are not alone in this world.Here are few things you can do to help your loved one battling out depression :
1. Talk it out
Tell them that they are not alone in this and that you will do everything to help. Tell them that you are there whenever they want.
2. Spend time
Depression is an isolating beast and hence try to spend more and more time with your loved one, do what they once enjoyed doing.
3. Talk funny
Light up their mood even when you are not around by sending them hilarious videos or funny jokes that can help divert their attention to fun.
4. Give them a shoulder to cry
Just lay with them when they want to cry or vent out their feelings. You don’t always have to ask about why they are crying all they need is an emotional support.
5. Sit and listen
A depressed person does not want to feel guilty. All they want is someone who could listen to them without always judging them.
6. Remind them of their qualities
A depressed person suffers from low self esteem and is always thinking about things that they have failed in. So tell them why people love them and what all good they have done. Remind them how valuable they are for you and that small failures in life cannot change what you feel for them.
