3 Ways to Help a lonely Friend Struggling With Mental Illness and Depression
When a friend is struggling with depression, it can be difficult to know how to help. But the truth is, doing everything possible to support them can make a difference in their recovery. As a friend, you have a real opportunity to be the help they need. In this article, I’ll share three things you can do to help a friend who is struggling with depression.
Listen Actively and Without Judgment
Active listening and passive listening are two different approaches to how we listen to others. Passive listening refers to listening without any effort to understand or engage with the causes of what is producing the emotional stress of the speaker. It involves simply being polite or sympathetic but not truly envolved. Passive listening can occur often in social settings or in situations were one of the persons in the conversation isn’t intimately connected.
On the other hand, active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker and making a conscious effort to understand their message. It involves not only hearing the words being spoken, but also paying attention to nonverbal cues, such as tone of voice and body language, and asking questions to clarify understanding. Active listening requires a focus on the speaker and their message, rather than being distracted by our own thoughts or concerns.
Overall, active listening is a more effective way of communicating and building relationships, as it allows for deeper understanding and connection with others. It can also help to establish trust and create a safe space for open communication.
Another important thing you can do to help a friend struggling with depression is to simply listen without judgment. Depression can make people feel isolated and alone, and having someone to talk to can be incredibly helpful. However, it’s important to listen without offering unsolicited advice or judgment.
Research has shown that having someone to talk to can reduce symptoms of depression (Hollandare et al., 2011). So, if your friend wants to talk, be there for them. Listen actively, ask questions to show that you’re interested, and validate their feelings.
Here are some tips for active listening:
- Pay attention to your friend’s body language and tone of voice
- Paraphrase what your friend says to show that you understand
- Ask open-ended questions to encourage your friend to share more
Remember, listening doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers. It simply means you’re there to support your friend.
Encourage Them Not to be Alone
While talking to a friend can be helpful, it’s important to remember that depression can require medical attention that requires professional treatment. Encourage your friend to seek help from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist.
Research has shown that seeking professional help can be effective in treating depression (Cuijpers et al., 2010). However, some people may be hesitant to seek help due to stigma or a lack of knowledge about available resources. If your friend is hesitant, offer to help them research therapists or clinics in your area, and remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By suggesting profession help, you are already tearing down the stigma against mental sickness.
A resource that has help many people struggling with depression is the local church. Check out the churches in your area and ask the church office for a consultation. Most Pastors have abundant experience helping people overcome depression. One advantage of a church Pastor over a mental health professional is that often the local Pastor will be more reachable and available, often willing to invest time with the patient outside of consultions. And most Pastor these days have university degrees in psychology.
Here are some resources you can share with your friend:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline: 1–800–950-NAMI (6264)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline: 1–800–662-HELP (4357)
- Your local church office or Pastor
Remember, seeking help can be a difficult step, but it’s an important one. Your friend may need your support and encouragement to take this step.
Offer Practical Support
Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. Those struggling with depression find it difficult to keep a clean house, prepare meals, or even enjoy their favorite hobbies. Offering practical support can be a simple yet effective way to help a friend who is struggling.
Here are some ideas for practical support:
- Offer to help with household chores or errands
- Cook a meal or bring over groceries
- Offer to accompany your friend to a therapy appointment
- Offer to do something fun and distracting.
Research has shown that social support can have a positive impact on depression (Hammen, 2003). By offering practical support, you’re showing your friend that they’re not alone and that you’re there to help. And the burden of doing those tasks will be displaced from your friend, allowing him to use his energy to overcome te depression.
Helping a friend struggling with depression can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to have all the answers. Simply listening without judgment, encouraging them to seek professional help, and offering practical support can go a long way in helping your friend through a difficult time.
What have you done recently to help a friend facing depression?
