To Battle Depression Is Very Real, And Hard: Be That Friend Who Makes It Easier

Depression is real. It may not be visible, but it exists all the same. To battle depression, an individual needs the support and love of those around her. Be that friend.

I have spent the last few days tending to my little one who was unwell. I have spent the last few weeks worrying over someone in the family. Amidst all this, I have tried to maintain a balance between home and work. I have tried to maintain a presence on social media, I have watched snippets of my favourite show on my phone and I have even sighed over the #deepveer wedding.

To some, it may seem like I have lived a perfect life and yet, those who are the closest to me know the mental battle I have been trying to fight.

This post isn’t about how easy or how difficult life can be sometimes. Neither does this post intend to gather empathy and sympathy around the everyday struggles one faces in life. This post is however meant to educate you that there is something known as depression.

Depression is a disease and it needs to be cured. It’s not a mental state or a phase that will get better with time. It needs to be attended to!

Depression can be caused by various factors, the common one being emotional, mental or physical trauma. The extent of trauma can be small or large.

I have had multiple changes in lifestyle, work culture and certain set backs when it came to a few emotional issues and the only reason I have been able to sail through all of it is because I had family to hear me out. I constantly had people to ask me if I was feeling ok, on days when I didn’t!

I often say that there is nothing that communication cannot solve. The biggest of issues arises due to lack of communication skills. Be it professional issues or personal issues, the right manner and sources of communication play a big role.

Depression is not always known to people. It may not always be visible, like a muscle pain or a flu. The best way to gauge a person affected by it is by knowing that they aren’t their usual selves for the longest period of time.

Here is what you can do to help someone battle depression

• First and foremost, you need to acknowledge the condition at hand. They say half your troubles disappear the moment you have acknowledged their existence. For someone who is battling depression, they may experience an array of emotions without much self-control.
• The symptoms may not always relate to a person or an incident. They may experience anger and frustration and may even lash out at people unknowingly, so its best not to take it personally.
• Help them open up and discuss the situation. Let them know you are there for them and are not judgemental about their situation.
• DO NOT force them to snap out of the situation and never blame them for the situation at hand.
• Communication can be the biggest help you can provide; however, seeking medical help is equally important.
• Encourage them to join an activity they like. You cannot pressurise them to be around people suddenly. Be there to help them get accustomed to hobby class surroundings.
• While it’s great that you would go all out helping someone battle depression, you need to take care of yourself as well. Stay on track with your own life and set boundaries gradually.

There are a lot of speakers, self help videos, and motivational videos available online that can boost someone’s morale. Helping someone battle depression can be exhausting, hence you will have to strike a balance between your life and their life. The best you can do is to help them accept the situation and get them to seek help. Make sure there is someone around them always which would keep them away from indulging in any self-harming activities. Family and friends can be your biggest support, reach out to them.

Love and hugs to everyone out there who is battling depression, has battled it and is a winner and to everyone who is helping someone deal with it. More power to you!

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sabiha gulrays

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