In the daily counseling, it is not uncommon to encounter people who help family members or children. In many cases, the child or family member suffers from depression and anxiety, but the patient himself is very resistant to and rejects other people's anxious teachings, including introducing himself to various methods. Sometimes we think that there is a suitable way to help them, but unfortunately they are not willing to try at all, so they can only do it in a hurry. If we are surrounded by patients with depression, we are eager to help them and get out of the situation as soon as possible, which is understandable.
However, for people who are deeply depressed, they need more companionship, acceptance, and support, rather than more advice, more tasks and goals. So, in addition to taking them to seek medical advice, what else can we do in life to help people with depression?
Listen and accompany
When they are willing to talk, stay with them quietly, listen to them, don't rush to give advice, just listen and accompany. People with depression need to have the opportunity and atmosphere to express their feelings and slowly find themselves.
When they seem vexatious, please don't judge them, understand and see the necessity and need to be cared for behind these performances. If they want to have some activities, they can also accompany them. In short, everything should be done according to what the depressed person really wants, and it cannot be forced.
Practical and objective support
When they are stable, try to talk to them about further treatment or finding professional counseling.
When the depressed person agrees with him or her and is willing to make adjustments, we will support them to find appropriate ways to continue treatment. It is important that as a parent or parent of a depressed person, you must not panic, let alone rush to "see a doctor" for them. Psychological problems are different from other physical illnesses and sometimes need to be taken slowly. A certain percentage of depressed patients can recover well with the unconditional support and companionship of their parents and family members.
Mental exercises together
At this time, it is recommended that parents also take this opportunity to practice improving their mental energy. The practice of psychological methods can not only help you purify your mind and improve your state, but also create a more suitable atmosphere for the depressed child in the family to return to health.
Specific exercises for Anapana: Excerpt from the book "Depression Check-in Self-Help".
1. Sit cross-legged, put your hands naturally in a comfortable position, close your mouth, close your eyes, focus on your nostrils, and continue to pay attention to the breathing in and out of your nostrils.
2. Except for the entry and exit of the breath, everything else is left alone. It doesn't matter what thoughts the mind produces, what feelings the heart produces, or what the body feels. Whether they are pleasant or unpleasant, they just remain egalitarian, that is, ignore them. All you have to do is keep watching the breath in and out, as if everything else has nothing to do with you except the breath in and out.
Practice Requirements:
1. Practice no less than 2 times a day, no less than 20 minutes each time, and if possible, extend the time as much as possible.
2. Unless the pain is unbearable, try not to open your hands and feet and not open your eyes.
3. Do not try to think, solve, think or judge any problems in practice.
Depression is not a pain in life, it is precisely a turning point in life. Change the old ideas of the past, and we will usher in a new life.