Depression is treatable with a variety of different methods. Without treatment it can last for months or years. Depression can slow physical recovery. Seek medical help. Talking therapies or medication can be very helpful and can be accessed via your GP.
These are ideas for you to help the person you care for with or without other treatments for depression.
Socialise. Maintain contact with friends and family as part of normal life.It is easy to forget to fit fun into your day. Family may want to help and understand how they too can help the person to recover. Being with friends restores a sense of normality.
Focus on positives. Allow yourselves to take a day off talking about what you can’t do. Plan something you enjoy so you have something to look forward to. Tell the person they are still valued for who they are. Give yourselves a treat.
Try goal setting.A goal to aim for can be the starting point for the person to focus on and measure improvements against. See the next section on this website for more information on goal setting.
Praise improvements. This helps to build self esteem and confidence. Even small achievements can lead towards a bigger overall goal.