Encouraging the Depressed

If you know someone suffering from depression, you might try some of the fol-
lowing suggestions. Not every idea will be appropriate for every person, but the
ones that are suitable will offer more hope than you can imagine.
*Pray consistently. Don’t take personal responsi- lawn, pick up groceries, watch the children, or vac-
bility for a depressed person. Rather, keep taking that uum the house. These routine activities are often
person’s burden to God. overwhelming to someone struggling in depression’s
sticky web.
*Stay connected. This isn’t always easy, espe-
cially when a person’s depression drags on. But a few *Show up with goodies. I’ll never forget the
minutes of focused listening and comforting is like “sunshine basket” a friend gave me during my depres-
concentrated love that will permeate your loved one’s sion. It was stuffed with sugarless gum, mints, pot-
life. Send occasional cards and notes that communi- pourri, a paperback book, a decorating magazine, and
cate, “I’m thinking of you.” a daily devotional guide.

*Suggest a thorough medical checkup. If medi- *Explore simple joys. Take a walk with your
cation is appropriate, you might help monitor any side friend. Point out flowers, sunrises, sunsets, clouds,
effects. It’s often frightening to take mood-altering and indigo blue skies. A depressed person can be
medications. blind to beauty.

*Suggest sound, competent Christian counsel-
ing. Medication can work wonders. Yet without
counseling, it can mask problems. If you don’t know
any counselors, speak with your pastor or call a de-
pendable ministry.
*Speak wisely. Don’t ever tell a depressed per-
son, “You shouldn’t feel like that.” It doesn’t help,
and the person likely has been repeating that same
litany for weeks.

*Seek practical ways to help. Mow your friend’s Rhonda Reese

Copyright 2006 General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists