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COMPASSION HOW TO BE HELPFUL WHEN YOUR LOVED ONE IS DEPRESSED BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
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REMEMBER THAT DEPRESSION IS NOT A CHOICE. Depression is not just a bad day or a bad mood. It’s sometimes feeling sad,
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IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU. W hen your loved one needs space or becomes distant, it’s not time to take stock of your relationship or wonder what you did wrong. Don’t blame yourself or try to make sense of it.
TELLING THEM IT’LL GET BETTER DOESN’T HELP.
f you love someone who struggles with depression, you know it can be difficult to know when to reach out and when to give them space, and to understand what to say and what to leave unsaid. Here are some things to consider.
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sometimes feeling empty, and sometimes feeling nothing at all. But it’s never a conscious decision.
may 2019
In fact, it can come across as dismissive. Try instead just to be there and let them know you believe they’re stronger than what they’re going through. Ask what you might to do to help and what they think might make them feel better.
DON’T BE OFFENDED IF THEY PUSH YOU AWAY. People who suffer from depression often worry they’re a burden on other people. If they become distant, let them know
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You can also help your loved one with depression by:
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HELPING THEM KEEP CLUTTER AT BAY
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GETTING THEM OUTSIDE
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ENCOURAGING THEM TO FOCUS ON SELF-CARE
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GIVING THEM PERMISSION NOT TO TALK (WHEN THEY DON’T FEEL LIKE IT)
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POPPING SOME PREPARED MEALS IN THEIR FREEZER FOR DAYS WHEN THEY DON’T FEEL LIKE COOKING