Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Director Li Guobing introduced, facing the depression patients around you, you often feel at a loss, and may even distance yourself due to misunderstandings, or cause secondary harm. However, understanding and support from family and friends are important forces to help people with depression get out of the haze. So, how to get along with depression patients?
Do these 5 things to easily get along with depressed individuals
1. Understand the nature of depression
It is important to recognize that depression is a mental illness, which can be understood as the patient’s brain being “injured”, rather than simply being in a “bad mood” or “self-indulgent”. This involves various aspects such as biochemistry, genetics, environment, and psychology, causing patients to be unable to escape from a long period of low mood. Therefore, when communicating with depression patients, please avoid using words that seem encouraging but actually attribute the problem to the patient themselves, such as “you just think too much”, or “you should be happier”. These words may make the patients feel more helpless and lonely.
2. Patiently listen and pay attention
Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Director Li Guobing introduced, individuals with depression are filled with pain and struggle inside, longing to be understood and accepted. Therefore, patiently listening to their feelings and needs is crucial. Do not teach them how to do things, just give them enough attention, support, and affirmation when they share their troubles, let them feel that they are not alone. At the same time, respect their privacy and boundaries, and do not force them to discuss topics they do not want to mention.
3. Encourage acceptance of scientific treatment
The treatment of depression requires the guidance and assistance of professional doctors to carry out targeted, personalized, and systematic treatment. Therefore, when you discover someone around you may have depression, encourage them to seek timely medical treatment and accept scientific treatment. At the same time, you can also actively learn about relevant knowledge of depression so that you can provide correct advice and support when the patients need help.
4. Create a positive environment
The environment has a significant impact on a person’s emotions. Therefore, when interacting with individuals with depression, we should strive to create a positive, warm, and supportive environment. This includes encouraging them to participate in social activities, engage in appropriate physical exercise, and maintain good lifestyle habits. Also, pay attention to our own words and actions, avoiding conveying negative emotions or pressure to them.
5. Maintain patience and understanding
The recovery process of depression may be long and challenging. During this process, patients may experience emotional fluctuations, and poor treatment effects. At this time, we need to maintain sufficient patience and understanding, give them continuous support and encouragement. Remember, every small progress is the result of their efforts, and deserves our recognition and encouragement.
Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Director Li Guobing introduced, getting along with depression patients is not an easy task, but it is an important way for us to express love and support. Through the above methods, you can provide strong support and help for depression patients, letting them feel the warmth and love from family and friends. Let us work together to contribute to their mental health.
