How can I help a friend or family member who is suffering from depression?
Unfortunately, one of our social realities is that most people who suffer from mental illness, although they can be easily treated, consider the psychiatrist as a disadvantage. Most of them consider mental distress as a shame and disgrace. These people need family members or friends who can encourage them to move in the right direction.
Due to the fact that depression and mania are often accompanied by signs of doubt or poor judgment, planning work becomes difficult. In this situation, a friend or family member may be able to make a difference in this regard.
Ensuring that the patient takes the prescribed medications or refers to a doctor or therapist as prescribed can help recovery quickly. But if this guideline is such that the patient feels that he does not give in to the demands and values and the cost is not paid, there are problems. If possible, you can consult with a family member or a patient close to you.
The friends and relatives of the patient should have criteria for the health of the patient being treated. One of the important ways to reach this issue is to ask the patient and hear his opinion. But the problem with this is that the patient is upset because he sees that his behavior is not accepted by others.