Help your depressed loved ones:-
(A) Observe and understand their behaviour carefully
1. Are they suddenly quiet?
2. Do they laugh unnecessarily?
3. Are they really into conversations or are they just on autopilot mode?
4. Do they snap at you without a valid reason?
5. Are they irritable more than their usual self?
(B) Make them talk even if they don't want to
1. It is very important that you remain, and make them to trust you.
2. It's very convenient for a healthy person to say, “hey, I'm always here for you; you can reach out to me; my message and inbox is always open for you.”
3. But, remember that anyone who is in depression will not bother you.
4. So, stop this useless message circulation of being always there.
5. Someone who is in depression won't talk to random people about what's bothering them, and will just shut you out of their mind.
(C) It is your responsibility as a family, as a friend, and as a well wisher, to reach him
1. Remain there and make him to trust you, so that he can speak what's bothering him.
2. This is a continuous process, so do not leave them alone with their thoughts ever.
3. Acknowledge their problem, even if you don't believe it to be a big enough problem!
4. It's not your problem, but it's theirs, so don't try to convince them that it's not a problem and that they shouldn't even be worried about it.
5. Please understand that every person is different, so don't measure them against someone.
(D) Do a lot of physical activities with him
1. They may start feeling rejuvenated.
2. Also, increase in physical activities increases the happy hormone production, which can help a person overcome his depression.
(E) Do not give advices
1. Listen to them, without giving judgement.
2. Advice is the last thing a depression patient wants to hear from you, so don't give it.
3. If you cannot be with him without excuses, without judgements and without suggestions, it's better not to be with him at all.
(F) Lastly, please understand this
1. No amount of money or fame or goodwill can help a person who loses hope.
2. A healthy person sees colours, while a depressed person sees black.
3. So, encourage him to see colours again.