information
Depression is so common that it is highly likely that all New Zealanders will at some stage come into close contact with someone who is experiencing depression. People with depression don’t usually get better on their own. How we respond makes all the difference to whether they receive professional help and feel supported by their family and social network.
Do
- Indicate that you have noticed a change in their behaviour and give them a chance to talk about it
- Listen rather than talk - accept them as they are
- Encourage them to take part in social activities
- Suggest they see a doctor or health professional and offer to accompany them
- Follow them up after the appointment
- Help them find information about depression from websites or the library, and learn about it yourself
- Encourage them to exercise and eat well
- Maintain contact and encourage them to be involved in social activities
- Encourage others to be supportive and non-judgemental
- Look after yourself too
- Seek support for yourself from friends, family, your GP or a support organisation for carers
- Take any thoughts of suicide seriously - it’s OK to talk about it. Don’t leave them alone if they feel unsafe: use crisis numbers if necessary
Do not
- Tell them to 'snap out of it' or 'harden up'. A person cannot 'will' themself better from moderate or severe depression
- Avoid them
- Pressure them to use drugs or alcohol
- Assume the problem will just go away
- Judge them
- Try to give advice – for example, 'just stay busy'