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Helping a friend who is depressed is not easy. Nevertheless, we must not allow our depressed friends to suffer in silence. They may become trapped in feelings of sadness, and these thoughts can sometimes lead to suicide.
Therefore, as a friend, we can take preventive steps to avoid harmful consequences. There are many things you can do as a close friend to alleviate the symptoms of your friend's depression.
Puput Mariyati, MPsi, the Head of the S1 Psychology Program at IIK Bhakti Wiyata, provides tips on helping a friend who is depressed, as follows:
People experiencing depression often get lost in their troubled thoughts and may struggle to think clearly. As a friend, you can ask them about their needs. For example, ask if they've eaten or what they require. This way, their biological and psychological needs can be met effectively.
Be a good listener for your friend who is depressed. Being a good listener means listening to all their complaints and worries without distractions. Let them freely express their thoughts and feelings. Don't try to diagnose or judge their actions. "Take a moment to listen to them," she says.
After being a good listener, you can advise your depressed friend to seek therapy, especially if they have moderate to severe depression. Depression should be addressed promptly by a professional, whether a medical professional (psychiatrist) or a psychologist. This ensures they receive the right and timely treatment before it's too late.
Next, what type of therapy is appropriate? Puput explains that there are many forms of therapy for individuals with depression. These can be tailored to each person's needs. Here are some types of therapy for people with depression:
a. Psychotherapy
The initial stage of treatment involves interviews with the patient, conducted by a psychiatrist. Through these interviews, the psychiatrist can assess various aspects, perspectives, and negative experiences that trigger the patient's depression.
b. Medication Therapy
After the interviews, the psychiatrist may prescribe the necessary medication for the depressed patient. This is useful for balancing the chemicals in the brain. The prescribed medication is not addictive.
c. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
This method focuses on problem-solving to address depression. With this therapy, patients are helped to understand their distorted thinking and are taught how to change it.
d. Psychodynamic Therapy
If taking antidepressant medication or undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy is not sufficient, patients are usually advised to undergo psychodynamic therapy. What is it? It's a form of in-depth talk therapy based on psychoanalytic theory and principles.
Psychoanalysis is a method that helps individuals understand their subconscious forces, which play a significant role in their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
e. Humanistic Therapy
The key to this therapy is self-appreciation. If an individual cannot appreciate themselves, they may find it difficult to fully develop their potential. So, the foundation of this therapy is stating that humans are inherently good and have the power to make their own decisions.
The type of therapy needed by each depressed person varies, depending on their individual needs. As a friend or a close person, there is no harm in alleviating the burden of a depressed patient with the above tips. Watch this discussion on the Official IIK Bhakti Wiyata YouTube channel for more information.
