5 Tips for Helping a Depressed Friend or Loved One

By Jenise Harmon, LISW-S 

Featured at GoodTherapy.org, February 23, 2015

Depression is a real illness with very real symptoms. It’s not something a person can ‘snap out of’. It’s a fine balance knowing how to help or in finding the right words to say. Communication can be difficult and feel awkward but a non-judgemental ear is priceless.

This article offers solid suggestions on how to communicate with those we care for who are suffering the effects of depression.

Harmon offers the following recommendations;

1. Ask what you can do to help
2. If the person is unable to communicate his/ her needs, offer some specific ideas
3. Listen without judgement
4. Ask if the person has suicidal thoughts or feelings
5. Love the person

For the article in full, please select the following link;

http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/5-tips-for-helping-a-depressed-friend-or-loved-one-0223155