depression

[grandmacath]

can anyone tell me how can a caring person help someone who is depressed? also how may a counsellor help someone who has depression thanks in advance

[jjaammeess]

Hello A good counselor might introduce that person to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)which at present claims to help a large proportion of patients and it is supposed to be short term .It might also be a mixture of therapies. but it all depends on the quality of the counselor and from what I see there is a whole spectrum of abilities (more so than in any other job )of counselors.I think the national health service is very poor in this area and getting a counselor or psychologist from the NHS is frustrating and inconvenient and results can be very doubtful therefore you may have to go privately to a psychologist which can be very expensive.

you have to remember as well that you just being there for that person and listening and not trying to solve their problems yourself is of great benefit.there is a very good book which most psychologists recommend .It is called Feeling Good by doctor David Burns that the person could read . but again don't try to be the psychologist or counselor yourself.your role in this is to be person's listening friend

[SaxyJag]

Take all jjaammeess' advice on board.

However, whilst you can't be a professional counsellor (it takes years to train properly) what you can be is a very good friend.

Most importantly - listen. You don't have to have been there. You just need to be a sounding board. Make it clear that you have time to listen. There's nothing more discouraging than someone saying they understand, but they have to be somewhere and so don't have long.

Don't judge, even if you mightn't agree with what they say or do. Give them a right to their own thoughts.

Above all, don't treat them like they're depressed. All that. 'oh you poor thing, have a good cry etc.', and the watching and checking. It just reinforces for them the fact that they're (in their eyes) a burden for someone.

In short, treat them as you would expect your best friend to treat you.

[grandmacath]

thank you all for your answers they are helpfull will go now and complete my course