Depression: Expert reveals how relatives can help


Did your mother always look up to you – and today she needs you? Dealing with depressed people is challenging. We have tips.

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When a loved one suffers from a mental illness, you always want to be there. Life Coach Sandra explains how to offer help correctly – and protect yourself at the same time.

“Dear Sandra. My mother can’t get by iget out of your depression. She is very negative and finds no motivation. What can I do for them to change their lives for the better? Is there anything I can do to help or is it my own iWould you like to overcome this hurdle?» – Marco (26)

Response from Life Coach Sandra Lutz:

Thank you very much for your question and your courage. I really appreciate your question as it shows concern for your mother and I can understand that i.eu want to help her

Try to educate yourself about depression

Many of us have heard the word depression many times, but most don’t know it, what exactly is it about. In addition, the clinical picture of depression can be very different. When you understand and acknowledge a little better for yourself what depression is (namely a disease) then the next steps are i.esupporting me and your mother, a little easier. Lack of drive is one of the main symptoms of depression. This lack of drive cannot be compared to the listlessness of a healthy person. For depressed people, getting up in the morning can be a very big, almost insurmountable hurdle.

Infinitely tired: listlessness is a typical symptom of depression.

Infinitely tired: listlessness is a typical symptom of depression.

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Pay attention to your energy reserves

We can all only do our best and be there to support others if we are doing well ourselves. Atake care of yourself and your well-being. Give yourself breaks and time for yourself alone, clearly set your boundaries. I can understand that i.eu prefer Around the clock want to help, but without regeneration you can’t. Give yourself time to recharge your batteries and communicate that clearly. Depressed people often don’t handle rejection very well because it reinforces their sense of worthlessness. So make sure to communicate in good time that you need time for yourself.

Only when your own batteries are charged can you help others.

Only when your own batteries are charged can you help others.

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Avoid comments and advice

Depressed people often feel, being a burden to others. Gimplied adviceetcGe like «Loh just again onetimes, it’s not all that bad, or «Sdon’t act like that now» Hnot elves. Just there being and listening is an art which exactly in these situations for one i.ebe empowering to depressed people kthen. It is also important in the healing process that as a healthy person you lower your expectations and develop patience.

Do you or has someone you know has a mental illness?

Offer concrete help

Offer help proactively and in a targeted manner, is usually more efficient than simply saying “Glet me know if i.eu need help». Always offer specific help – seh, a household chore to to do, an invitation for a short walk to Offer ojust your listening ear to offer. Questions like: «Have i.eu eaten something today?» can be answered more simply than «Kwhat should I do?».

“Would you like a nice breakfast?” – The more precisely you offer your help and provide concrete ideas, the easier it will be for those affected to accept them.

Alexander Mils/Pexels

And finally: Sometimes it can be helpful to den telling people you love them. Depressed people feel often for many guilty or unloved and feel they must care for that achange others. A «I love you so, how i.eyou are. Even if it i.eir not doing well and i.eand aare unmotivated. I just want it for your sake i.eI feel better and not because of me or anyone else», can sometimes work wonders.

“I love you the way you are”: These words feel like a hug.

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I wish you a lot of patience and understanding and your mother from the bottom of my heart a speedy recovery.

Sandra Lutz

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