Talking with a friend or family member about what they’re going through can be a positive step towards recovery. Whether you're suggesting that someone seek professional help or encouraging them to continue with a treatment plan, it's important to be aware of what you say and the way you say it.
Tips for having a successful conversation
- Be an "active listener." Before responding with your own
thoughts, try repeating back what the person has just said.
- Don't worry about having the right answer. Just being
present and showing you care can go a long way.
- Don't belittle the person's feelings. Attempts to say
something positive like "You don't seem that bad to me"
can actually make a depressed person feel worse.
- Don't forget to say things like "I love you," "I'm here for you,"
and "You're not alone in this."
Talking with someone who is undergoing treatment
- Don't assume that someone in treatment no longer
needs to talk. Many people get discouraged in the first few weeks, before they feel any real improvement. It's critical that you stay in close contact and urge the person to hang in there.
- Give positive feedback. Let them know when you see any improvement—even a small one.
- Try reassuring them, and encouraging them to stick with the treatment with an expression of hope that with time they will feel better.
