Depression and loneliness are like a big gray cloud that never seem to go away. People experiencing either of these emotional states often feel as if they are incredibly alone and unable to see beyond the sadness that engulfs them. If you are dealing with a loved one that is experiencing depression and loneliness, your support is important. The following are some ways that you can be a helping hand for a loved on experiencing depression and loneliness. 

• Patience is Key

While the sun does come out tomorrow, for someone experiencing depression or loneliness cloudy days are most often their reality. You can’t force happiness and togetherness on anyone. People need time to work through the issues that are the cause of their depression. Even someone that is lonely may want company but for a number of reasons resist the company they desire. While this behavior may seem paradoxical, people experiencing depression and loneliness need space to work through their feelings. Patience is necessary.

• Avoid Judgment

Someone experiencing depression doesn’t want to be judged. This does not mean that you have to allow someone with depression to abuse or mistreat you. It simply means that passing judgment on a person that is suffering from depression is likely to do more harm than good. A person dealing with depression knows that they are in a slump, and negative comments about their behavior are likely to aggravate an already precarious position.

READ MORE: The Best Places in the World for Vipassana Meditation

• The Little Things Count

One of the best ways to help someone that is experiencing depression is to simply be there for them. The little gestures of love and appreciation really do matter. Something as simple as offering to cook a meal or simply being a shoulder to cry on can be quite healing for the person battling depression and loneliness. No matter how insignificant you may think your small gestures are they could mean a lot to a person that is struggling with their emotions.

• Establish Boundaries

Boundaries are important when assisting a person with depression and/or loneliness. While you may want to do everything in your power to assist your loved one, you have to respect yourself as well. You are not a therapist, and you are not a doormat. Another person’s experience of depression does not mean that you should have to put yourself on the back burner or compromise your own well-being. You matter as well.

• Learn More About Depression

Learning all that you can about depression can actually save your loved one’s life. Consider seeking support from a qualified mental health professional so that you can be abreast of the signs and symptoms associated with depression. Remember, not everyone experiences depression in the same manner. The more knowledgeable you are about depression the better able you are to navigate through this experience with your loved on.

Depression and loneliness can be a debilitating experience. Staying informed about depression can help you offer the best assistance to those dealing with this condition.