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MIND gives tips
As many as one in five adults will be depressed at some point in their life. So there is a good chance that someone close to you will have to deal with depression at some point. Maybe you don’t really know how to deal with that. What can you say and do, and what better not? MIND, an organization that stands up for people with psychological problems, gives tips.
Everyone has a dip, or a shorter period in which you feel a bit more depressed than usual. But if you (almost) daily for at least two weeks at least five or more symptoms If you have depression, you may actually have depression. The diagnosis can only be made by an authorized practitioner, such as a mental health psychologist or psychiatrist. One in five adults has experienced depression at some point in their life, so that’s a large number of people.
Once that diagnosis has been made, it is not only you who have to deal with it, but also the people around you. A depressive period lasts an average of six months and can have a major impact on you and your loved ones. Are you struggling with depression yourself? Then read the tips from MIND. In this article we focus on loved ones of someone with depression. Because what do you do if someone close to you has depression?
dos
- Read information about depression, for example on MINDblueMIND’s website about depression. Or on the website of the Depression Association.
- Listen to what the person has to say and show understanding for him or her.
- Make it clear that he or she can count on you. If you don’t know what to say, just say it.
- Do something simple with him or her, such as walking or gardening.
- You can also offer help with a practical task that the person does not have enough energy for, such as cleaning the house or doing the dishes.
dont’s
- Don’t say things like “just go and do something fun and you’ll recover”. Take the feelings of the person with depression seriously.
- Don’t try to force someone to cheer you up. This can actually have the opposite effect.
- Don’t discount yourself. Make sure to also take care of yourself. Guard your own limits and keep making time for yourself, your hobbies and (other) friends and family.
Complaints as a caregiver
If you are the caregiver of someone with depression or other psychological problems, you may also experience complaints and/or have difficulty setting boundaries. It could be that you do more and more for him or her than agreed, or that your social life suffers as a result. It can be at the expense of your work or study, but it can also be that the informal care is emotionally and physically taxing for you. Here you will find tips for setting boundaries, coping with stress, and coping with worry when caring for someone with depression or other mental health issues.
Talking or online course
Would you like to tell your story anonymously and discuss with a professional counselor what else you can do? Go to www.koratie.nl and call, mail, chat or WhatsApp with a care provider. Soon MINDblue will also start with a free online course for anyone who cares for someone with depression.
MIND is a movement of and for all people dealing with psychological problems. Together we are committed to preventing mental health problems and supporting people with mental health problems. We are working towards a society in which all people have the opportunity to participate according to their own ability and in which everyone receives the care he or she needs. And we are committed to greater understanding and openness about mental health problems. To achieve this, we conduct research, carry out projects and take action. At MIND you can find and share information and experiences and for inspiration, motivation and support. MIND is an initiative of the Psychiatric Health/Correlation Fund and the National GGz Platform.