For our closest friendships we would do anything, let alone see them unhappy. Being next to a person who has mental health problems, even with more or less intense degrees that vary for each situation, is always a delicate affair.
As friends we may run the risk of encountering some difficulties greater than ourselves. How to behave? Here are some points that I have learned to recognize, while remaining an eye external.
1) Depression does not equal sadness
Even today, for many, the word depression is considered just another synonym for sadness. In reality, depression and sadness, although they can also go hand in hand, are two different words: sadness is an emotion that more or less all *, with varying degrees of intensity, live in our daily life or life. Sadness, if well integrated with other emotions, can also be healthy and constructive, as a natural passage for the human being. Depression, on the contrary, becomes something more: no longer an emotion like others, but a real way of seeing and approaching life that monopolizes everything else. It is a state of malaise that prevails over any other human emotion, seriously compromising our daily life. It is good to keep in mind that depression is a real disease, and we cannot deal with it with a simple pat on the back.
2) We avoid toxic positivity
If a pat on the back isn’t enough, let alone that postcard positivity that invites you to live life exclusively among rainbows and unicorns. Not that there’s anything wrong with rainbows or unicorns, but – spoiler – the human soul is a little more complex than that. Phrases such as “get up”, “smile at life”, or “don’t think about it,” said to a person in a state of depression only amplify a sense of shame and inadequacy towards their condition. It makes the other feel wrong and out of place, because they are not reacting as society would like. On the contrary, let’s open our ears and show ourselves available to listen and understand what he is feeling, even the most uncomfortable emotions: we make others understand that each of his moods can be expressed, even if far from ours.
3) We don’t have to give advice at all costs
Creating a safe space for listening and dialogue is important, but it is good to keep in mind that we don’t have to find an answer for everything. In a hymn of omnipotence we might believe that we always have the perfect advice in our pocket that will heal the other in a snap of the fingers, but in fact when we provide advice we start first of all from our personal experience, and in some way, we refer to ourselves. Sometimes before finding an answer, we may take the time to stay by the other’s side and remind him that we are there, with body and mind. Even in silence.
4) It’s not all in our power
We can do our best, but sometimes our best may not be enough. Being by the side of a sick person can become exhausting and we could risk compromising our mental health in order to save that of the other, without even succeeding in the intent. If the other person exhibits self-harming behaviors, dangerous to themselves or others, we intervene directly by alerting the family and calling a suicide prevention center. As mentioned, depression is a treatable condition, but we are not doctors or specialists. It is good to recognize that we too have limits, that we can do everything in our power, but when a situation gets out of hand and begins to compromise our mood, it is sacrosanct to understand when to stop and step aside. For more information on listening groups and emergency numbers, you can consult the page of Telephone Friend Italy at this link: https://www.telefonoamico.it/prevention-suicidio/

Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.