Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month- Make a difference!

This year's theme, “MIND YOUR HEALTH” is projected to spotlight the correlation between the mind and body. Our mental and physical well-being goes hand in hand and mental health is one issue which has been constantly negated or looked down upon.

People who suffer with mental problems are individuals who live next door to us. They are a part of our families; they are a part of our friends, they are everywhere around you. It is about time we stand up and help them else we will be a part of an extremely active part of that torture, pain or depression from which that very cry came from. It is a problem of high intensity and will take active participation from each one of you to kick it away.

So how about supporting your friend in depression just for this month? Remember, being a friend in deed will go a long way to fight somebody’s depression blues.

Before trying to help someone cope with their depression, understanding it is necessary. Depression is a serious illness of the mind like any other illnesses of the body. A person suffering from depression can’t just “get over it” as if it were a whim for a new pair of shoes. It requires time and treatment; it also requires a great deal of perseverance and patience.

Listening and letting a person speak is key to any relationship. When it comes to helping a friend in depression it becomes absolutely crucial. Rather than dismissing them or assuming that you understand what they’re going through, listening to them whenever they speak of what’s bothering them is important. It helps to draw them out of their shell and gives them a sense of self-worth. Besides, it is one of the best ways of showing that you care.

Try to involve your friend into activities that are fun and something you think he/she might enjoy, like perhaps encouraging him/her to befriend a friendly neighborhood stray. Think of things that you could do together – you could ask your friend to help you buy an outfit or tell your friend that you want him/her to accompany you to watch a movie because you don’t want to be alone. It would give them the idea that they are helping you out so that your efforts are not exposed as part of the larger agenda of helping them cope with their depression. Nobody likes to feel like object of sympathy.

See this as an opportunity to strengthen your bond and a chance to spend time with each other. Maneuvering through the choppy seas of depression is undoubtedly a difficult experience, but in helping your friend into calmer seas, you will have emerged with a bond that is truly special.

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