You may know someone who is depressed and not know they’re depressed. People expect someone who is depressed to cry a lot, stay in bed all day, mope. But depression isn’t always this obvious. Some people can totally fake it. They can smile and laugh; they can act like everyone else, even while they are in excruciating emotional pain.
Here are a few reasons or risk factors. You might take them as why people break down :
- They take everything personally.
- They remember every criticism.
- They react to every misfortune.
- They hold grudges.
- They dwell on painful memories.
- They regret past mistakes.
- They compare self to happier people.
- They analyze everything until it loses its appeal.
- They make decisions based on others advice.
- They stop learning new skills.
- They conclude that life is predictable.
- They have a long explanation for everything.
- They resent people who seem to have easier lives.
- They focus on the cost not the opportunity.
- They never verbalise their gratitude.
- They fail to see a way out.
Do you recognise any of the above situations. Have you been in any of these situations. So what can you do to help people you love who are depressed, if you can’t tell they’re depressed? Ask questions very kindly and listen to the answers very carefully. Empathize with their emotional pain—even if you have to guess at what it might be. Let them know you are there to listen and understand for as long as it takes, and you aren’t taking no for an answer. Do you recognise any of the above situations. Have you been in any of these situations. It helps. Take Care of Yourself First.
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