Depression is a life altering disease and causes a lot of harm to its victim. The world has witnessed a spike in the cases of depression post Covid-19. It is natural due to the loss of jobs, loss of the lives of loved ones and all the uncertainty lingering around. A lot of our family members, friends and colleagues will fall prey to depression at some point of time or the other so make sure you are on the lookout to offer some help. What can you do to help a friend combat depression?

1) Talk and be open: It is not easy for anyone to talk openly about being depressed. Hence, we need to be careful about what approach we follow when we want to help someone who is battling depression. Choose a time and place carefully before taking the first step to talk to the person. Explain to the person that they have changed and you’d like them to go to their old selves as that was a better version of them. Do not make it sound as though they are sick and suffering though.

2) Listen and advise: As you break the ice you will realise that the person begins opening up to you slowly. Make sure you listen more than you talk. Listening itself will help them feel better. Let them know that depression is treatable and that they are not the only ones going through this. Assure them that this will end well and that they will have their old lives back again soon. Tell them that they’ve come this far and we are at the stage of vaccination which means the battle against Covid will be won shortly.

3) Be ready to take action: You can take action in the following ways:
- Offer them help by providing them with nutritious meals.
- Suggest to them some home based exercises, maybe you could subscribe a fitness plan and give it to them. You could also accompany them on their morning walks.
- Prepare a list of sources that could help them in their depression professionally. Yes, I am talking of psychologists, psychiatrists and Life Coaches.
- Get them connected with online groups if necessary.
- Lack of interest in personal hygiene
- Make sure to help them get their medication on time if needed.

4) Seeking help for the person: How to know when things have become serious and you’ll need professional help?
- If the person expresses suicidal thoughts
- Wants to stay aloof from people all the time
- Cannot concentrate or focus on daily tasks
- Becomes agitated
- Displays lack of energy
- Insomnia
- Lack of interest in personal hygiene

Covid – 19 has had a huge impact on the lives of people. The least we can do is help each other fight the physical and mental battle against this disease.

Informal care providers, friends, and families have an opportunity to play an active role in taking care of your loved one’s health by being present in their lives and watching out for their mental and physical health.