Depression isn’t a topic that a lot of people like to talk about especially in this part of Africa, sometimes people going through depression are perceived to be weak, attention seekers, selfish or just don’t know what is wrong with them.
But it has been medically proven that depression is a real medical condition experienced by many and only treated by a few persons.
What is Depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It is a feeling of emptiness that leaves the person feeling hopeless and numb. At that moment, nothing seems exciting or worth doing. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Fortunately, it is also treatable.
Why We Need To Know What to Say to People Going Through Depression
According to a study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2019, it showed that 7,079,815 people, representing 3.9% of the Nigeria’s population are going through depression.
While another study on Depression among students of a Nigerian University showed that 58.2% of Nigerian students are depressed.
Seeing that a large percent of Nigerians are going through depression, it is important that we know what to say so we can show our love and support to friends and family going through it.
Five Things You Can Say To Someone Who is Depressed
1. ‘This isn’t an ending, you can beat this’: The hopelessness of depression stands with its arms crossed, blocking the door to anything better. You have to be hopeful and strong enough for both of you and you might not believe it the first time you say this, but just keep saying it and believing it enough for both of you. Even if the way out feels blocked, you’ll at least be lighting the path.
2. Remind Them You’re There for Them: Saying words like ‘I’m here’ or ‘no matter what, I am not going away’ can help more than you realise – but back it up with action. Call, Visit, Make contact. The very nature of depression means that the depressed person will be unlikely to reach out to you. Show them you have enough strength in you for both of you. It will make a difference.
3. Ask How You Can Help: Depression places a great weight on the person who is experiencing it, both physically and mentally, so there are probably many things you can do to ease the burden as your friend recovers. You can ask how can I best support you?” and because everyone is different, some people may not know what they need, others will have clear ideas about what might help or what makes things worse.
4. ‘Explain it to me. I want to understand’: Perhaps if you’ve had depression before you’ll be able to understand but even if you have, everybody suffers depression differently. The more you can understand the better. Even showing that you are interested enough to want to understand is huge. In the same way that you don’t have to have a broken arm to know that it hurts, you don’t have to have had depression to be an incredible support”.
5. “I love you”: Sometimes, the simplest statement is the best. Just expressing your love can be a supportive gesture.
These are some of the ways you can show your support to someone experiencing depression, although they not limited to the above mentioned.
If you think that a loved one might have depression, do not shy away from the topic. Tell them and show them that you are willing to help and support them through the journey. It is also advisable they seek professional help as depression is treatable.
