Ep 20: How to Help Someone With Depression and Anxiety
I don’t know you, but I know one thing about you: Either you suffer from depression and anxiety, or you love someone who does. Either way, knowing how to help someone who suffers is valuable information. Today I’m offering you some dos and don’ts of helping someone with depression and anxiety. You can use it for yourself or you can pass it on to the people who love you.
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE COPY OF THE LIST
Don’t offer any trite answers or cute sayings.
Don’t say any of the following:
Snap out of it. Calm down. Suck it up. Get over it. It’s all in your head. You need a drink! I don’t see why you are so upset. Why is this so hard for you? Why are you being so self-centered? Let it go. You know, worry is a sin. “I can’t deal with you…you’re too much.”
Do:
1. Treat the person with the same tenderness and concern that you would if they told you they had the flu or cancer. (Realize most people won’t come right out and say, “I’m struggling with depression right now.” You may need to ask.)
2. Give her space to work through it, but check on her often to make sure she’s getting better and doesn’t give up.
3. Ask, “What can I do for you?”
4. Ask, “How can I pray for you?”
5. Ask, “Do you want to talk about it?”
6. Ask, “Are you taking good care of yourself?”
7. Ask, “Did you make an appointment with your doctor/therapist?” Would you like me to pick you up and drive you there?
8. Ask, “Can I help you with the kids?” “Can I grab something from the grocery store for you?”
9. Ask “Would you like to go for a walk?”
10. Ask, “Do you need me to come over?”
11. Ask, “Do you want me to just sit and listen?”
12. Validate her feelings. “I know this is so hard.” “You must feel miserable.”
13. Say, “I love you and I’m here no matter what and I’ll keep checking on you until I know you are over the hump.” And then actually do it.
14. Pray for her.
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