HOW TO HELP DEPRESSION | 7 TIPS ON HOW TO HELP A FRIEND OR LOVED ONE WITH DEPRESSION
It's difficult to know how to help depression in someone you love, especially if you have never experienced it yourself.
As a survivor of a 15-year chronic depression (which included time spent in a mental institution), I know first-hand what helps. In fact, I wrote a book about my experience to help people just like you understand what your loved one may be going through and show you that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Although everyone's situation is different, I have found that there there are some simple steps you can take today to start helping your loved one have a brighter outlook. And don't be fooled by how simple they appear - trust me, they have profound effects when done consistently :)
I have listed them below in the form of 7 easy tips.
Be sure to let me know if they work for you by leaving a comment in my guest book.
~Janice
p.s. I hope you find my understanding depression book helpful also. People tell me it's a pretty compelling read!
As a survivor of a 15-year chronic depression (which included time spent in a mental institution), I know first-hand what helps. In fact, I wrote a book about my experience to help people just like you understand what your loved one may be going through and show you that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Although everyone's situation is different, I have found that there there are some simple steps you can take today to start helping your loved one have a brighter outlook. And don't be fooled by how simple they appear - trust me, they have profound effects when done consistently :)
I have listed them below in the form of 7 easy tips.
Be sure to let me know if they work for you by leaving a comment in my guest book.
~Janice
p.s. I hope you find my understanding depression book helpful also. People tell me it's a pretty compelling read!
UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION BOOK
My Insanity: Held Hostage by Depression's Grip
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Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 01/07/2010) 
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HOW TO HELP DEPRESSION TIP #1
Get your loved one to talk
Getting your loved one to talk to you about anything and everything on their mind gives you great insight into how to help depression. It doesn't matter what they talk about. The goal is to help them express what is on their mind and avoid ruminating. HOW TO HELP DEPRESSION TIP #2
Help with chores
Want to know how to help depression quickly? Reduce feelings of overwhelm. An easy way to do this is to help with the laundry, clean the dishes, and prepare easily freezable meals. HOW TO HELP DEPRESSION TIP #3
Encourage them to get out of bed, shower and put on clean clothes
The physical stimulation that a hot shower and fresh clothing provide is an immensely therapeutic activity and an underrated way of how to help your loved one feel better in themselves - in less than 10 minutes! When you are clean, you feel fresh and alert. HOW TO HELP DEPRESSION TIP #4
Make a date to go out for coffee or an ice-cream
The lack of structure to one's day reinforces monotony and isolation. Getting your loved one out of the house is perhaps my best tip on how to help depression. Even a quick walk around the Mall, provides a distraction from negative thinking and promotes a healthy state of mind. HOW TO HELP DEPRESSION TIP #5
Reminisce about pleasant memories
Bringing up good times shared together is a pleasant antidote to negative thinking. Get them laughing about funny stories, favorite jokes, or pleasant memories. HOW TO HELP DEPRESSION TIP #6
Engage their assistance with a project
Solicit suggestions such as choosing photographs to create a memorable scrapbook for a mutual loved-one. Focusing on helping others makes your loved one feel needed and is a subtle yet powerful way of alleviating depression. HOW TO HELP DEPRESSION TIP #7
Find professional help when warranted
The intervention of a mental health professional provides safe and neutral support to your loved one and takes the guesswork out of how to help depression. WHICH OF MY TIPS ARE YOU GOING TO TRY FIRST?
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Would you like to understand what it's like to suffer from depression?
Then be sure to read my book on Amazon: "My Insanity: Held Hostage By Depression's Grip". In it, I detail my journey from a stable, mentally healthy individual to a self-injurious, suicidal, crazy person, as well as my subsequent rehabilitation resulting in my renewed appreciation of life. With this insight, you'll be better able to help your loved one.
Here's my favorite link:
About the author
Janice D'Errico is the author of the understanding depression book: My Insanity: Held Hostage by Depression's Grip.As a survivor of a 15-year debilitating chronic depression, she learned from professionals and informed loved ones the coping skills necessary to rehabilitate. She now shares her first-hand knowledge of how to help depression with caregivers and those suffering from depression.
To learn from Janice's experience, and save yourself or a loved one from years of mental and physical anguish, visit www.HowToHelpDepression.com.
by precioussanity
Hi to all from the author, Janice. The reviews have been spectacular. My message is being embraced. Help your loved ones struggling with depression... (more)
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