For many people with depression, what they need most is not medication or treatment, but someone to listen to them patiently and give them silent companionship.
Depressed people are just like normal people when they are not having an episode, they are decent and kind. But when they have an attack, they become like a wounded child. Often, at this time, we, as friends or family members, should be the only one they can rely on, to guide them, slowly open their closed hearts, and bring warmth and genuine care to them.
That said, many families of depressed patients struggle with not knowing how to communicate with them. So, what is the right way to open up to depressed patients?
First, eliminate the patient’s fear
After the patient is admitted to the hospital, the patient should be treated with patience, kindness, amiability and consideration. Especially for elderly patients, it is necessary to be patient, careful and unfailing, to protect patients’ self-esteem and make them feel valued, respected and independent. Patiently listen to their complaints and give full sympathy and understanding.
Second, provide psychological support to patients
Make them maintain a happy mood and optimistic psychology. Pay attention to the patient’s psychological dynamics, care more, greet more, and give the necessary psychological guidance and help.
Third, guide the patient to self-soothing
Try to find the reasons for the unhappy things from the environment, opportunities and other objective aspects, do not overly guilt, self-blame, which is beneficial to adjust the psychological balance.
Fourth, guide the patient to divert attention
For patients facing difficulties, they should be distracted and diverted, so that they can gradually forget the unpleasant things and gradually cheer up their mood. You can also encourage the patient to do some things that usually interest them, so that they can unconsciously forget their worries and improve their state of mind.
Five, guide the patient to see the problem from multiple perspectives
When encountering things that are not as good as they should be, it is good to look at them more from the positive side and less from the negative side. In this way, the mood will become calm and cheerful.
Sixth, encourage patients to participate in social activities and develop hobbies
Beneficial social interaction will make people experience the value of life, good interpersonal relationships will make people open-minded and comfort each other. A wide range of hobbies and interests will make people open-minded and elegant.
Seven, the establishment of good family relations
Harmonious family relations will make people feel comfortable and full of spirit. In case of difficulties, family members can also comfort each other to share the storm and tide over the difficulties together.
References.
[1] Yu Jing. Depression in the elderly [J]. Journal of Psychiatry. 2010(3):216