Help a person suffering from depression

Depression is caused by an imbalance in the chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. Commonly it is a low level of seratonin which is the initial trigger. However it may be that this low level of seratonin has been initially caused by an on-going lack of self esteem and this has got ‘stuck’ in the neurotransmitter system.

How do I know if this person has depression?

A person suffering from depression finds it hard to identify how they are actually feeling and so they find it hard to identify with any emotion. They do not have a sense of direction and nothing seems worthwhile. They may well feel suicidal – but seldom actually go ahead and take this action. Saying this is how they feel can often be a cry for help.

In the vast majority of cases the depression is as result of feeling trapped during a period in their childhood. Their parents made them feel that they were unworthy and they had no way of knowing that they were valued and were unable to receive any nurturing even if it was available.

There is very little which we can do to help a person suffering from depression – except let them know that they are being ‘held’ by you. Not necessarily physical holding but saying that you are creating a safe place for them, holding them in your love, and that you accept them for who they are and how they are. They don’t have to be different from how they are NOW. This is how they are and you accept that.

Trust that they will sort it out for themselves.

Don’t try to fix them.

Say ‘Well Done!’ whenever it’s relevant

Invite them to connect being calm and relaxed with the evocative sense of smell and the Aromatherapy WellBeingBlend which gives them something which they can use to help themselves quickly and immediately.

When you DO get them to talk to you then listen without interruption until they are finished as they may get an AHA moment and they often need this time to process what is going on for them

Helping and supporting YOU is the best thing you can do.

Meanwhile please ask yourself what their condition brings up for you.
While they are ‘doing their thing’ this releases you to do something for you. You could maybe have an insight about your own feelings about something which happened in the past which has been triggered again by something they have said – maybe hurt about something unrelated to this situation. Maybe being shut out from their space has brought up something for you from your own childhood. There is always something there which is a gift for you – if you are able to see this situation in a positive light.

Then they may jump back out of it and seem OK for a while and they are back with you – until they lapse again and you are able to go back to what they have generated for you. They are giving you space.

Reach out to friends to talk things through and others who are in a similar situation with whom you feel able to compare notes and realise you are not alone

Help yourself develop a stronger sense of Inner Wellbeing

I highly recommend taking high quality food supplements and I recommend Zinzino.

Our body language changes our mental attitude

Another idea is to invite them to change their body language and stand up straight and smile even if they do not feel like smiling.
Amy Cuddy’s viral 2012 TED Talk ‘Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are’ highlights perhaps one of the most known explanations of how to tap into the embodied mind. Cuddy’s research was motivated by the proposition that when you pretend to be powerful, you are more likely to actually feel powerful
A beautiful thing about Cuddy’s research is its emphasis on the body first, so even if you cannot find that state of belief in your mind you can give it a helping hand by playing the part in your body and behaviour.

‘Power Poses’ makes us feel more confident, despite what our minds may tell us.

Try bringing them back time to positive thoughts. Treat them the way you would treat a puppy dog ~ ” come  back, come back I know things seem really bad but come back to me”.

Gradually they will find a new way of being and you can TRUST that. In the same way as muscles get stronger as you use them, their mind will become more able to stay more positive as you gently keep the positive words there in their mind and attitude in the body.

Now maybe they are ready to imagine and clearly define their best new life/situation and start to make different choices in life aligned with a new picture. Don’t worry about how this will happen; simply encourage them to start to take baby steps in that direction and you are doing something positive about where you both are NOW. 

The only thing that they can change is NOW in the moment ~ and gently enable them to make every thought positive.

Work with me to SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO IS SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION

Find out more about Inner Wellbeing and using the Aromatherapy WellBeingBlend

CALL OR TEXT ME to book your FREE 30 minute chat to find out how I may be able to help you: 07974 400575
EMAIL ME: fran@coachingforwellbeing.co.uk
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