So, how does one help those who are dealing with the monster of depression? Studies suggest that the key is to enable and allow the person to express freely what they are going through. While professional help is critical, a friendly chat with a friend or a loved one can do wonders. When buried under a mountain of sadness, sometimes, that’s all one wants—words of encouragement and warmth, or simply a hug. Letting them know they have support is a good first step.
What about times when the person refuses help? What’s paramount then is to tread carefully. Says Mumbai-based Psychiatrist Hemant Mittal, “We need to choose our words carefully when trying to counsel a person in depression. Educating ourselves before addressing the situation is paramount.” Dr Mittal advises strongly against the use of phrases such as ‘it happens’, ‘it’ll get better’, ‘it’s all in your head’. They are likely to do more harm than good.
He further adds that generalisation and clichés can reinforce depressing thoughts in a patient and send them into a downward spiral of feeling hopelessness and worthlessness. Criticising or micromanaging a depressed person can cause further damage, evoking suicidal thoughts in the patient.
Many people lose their battle against depression every year. According to WHO, 800,000 suicides take place every year across the world due to depression. These lives are lost largely owing to the absence of timely help or due to the ominous signs getting lost in the clutter of day-to-day activities and conversations.
Sitting in the abyss of depression is perhaps the most debilitating experience for a human being—to acknowledge it, to come to terms with it, and to address it takes every ounce of courage one can muster. For this reason, it’s the unconditional support from the world around that helps wage this war. In the end, it is only love, understanding and empathy that are capable of lighting up this darkness we call depression.