Understanding depression, which in the age of anxiety is threatening to become as prevalent as the common cold, and exploring avenues to fight this dehumanizing infection

HOW YOU CAN HELP A DEPRESSED PERSON

• Acknowledge his feelings without trivializing them

• Don't blame him for his morbidity and inability to do normal chores

• Give him support and unconditional love and care

• Encourage him to indulge in activities he enjoys

• Appreciate whatever efforts he makes to fight his depression

• Highlight his achievements and efforts

• Make him talk and learn to listen to him

• If his depression has an immediate cause, help him find ways out of it

• Without forcing any expectations, try to create a daily routine for him

• Defend him before strangers even if you know he is wrong and gently explain the facts later when you are alone with him

• If he talks of suicide, take him seriously and try to talk him If he talks of suicide, take him seriously and try to talk him out of it.