3 Ways to Help a Friend Combat Their Depression During COVID-19

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Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and in times of stress, this can worsen. COVID-19 came and disrupted life as we know and with it came a multitude of hardships. The pandemic-related difficulties, including economic and energy crises, the civil unrest between Ukraine and Russia, and unemployment crown it all, making the environment ripe for mental illnesses. This time can be especially rough for people who suffer from depression. While you may not be able to cure their depression, there are ways you can help your friends combat it. Psychology and even religion show that friendships are invaluable for human life. These connections do not just satisfy the need for companionship-they boost mental and physical wellbeing. So, these are three simple but effective ways you can help the people you love deal with depression this season.

Create Time for Real Conversation

Depression can often make it difficult for people to open up about what they are going through, especially today when quarantine and digitization of life ensure face-to-face meetings are rare. It’s important to remember that one of the best things you can do for friends struggling with depression is to be there for them – create time for conversations, and talk openly and honestly about your experiences. Depression can feel very isolating, so it’s helpful to take the initiative of connecting with people outside social platforms. Encourage Them to Get Up and Move Your friend may also find comfort in physical activities like yoga, meditation, or exercise. One of the symptoms of depression is feeling listless and unmotivated, yet, it is vital for people in this state to get up and move their bodies every day because exercising releases endorphins that can improve mood and reduce stress. So, encouraging them to go for a walk or run outside can also help them get some fresh air and vitamin D, which link to better mental health. Even better, if possible, you can create a schedule to do some activities together during the week.

Closeup of psychotherapist supporting depressed young black woman, holding her hands at mental clinic, cropped. Unrecognizable psychologist helping stressed female patient

Offer Practical Help and Support

Offering practical help is a great way to support your friend during difficult times. If your friend is overwhelmed or stressed, see if you can help them take care of some of their responsibilities, like taking care of their pet.

Here is a list of some more things you can do:

• Checking in with them regularly, either in person or over the phone

• Helping them grocery shop or run errands

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• Offering to cook meals for them

• Connecting them with resources like mental health hotlines, articles on healing or online support groups

Lastly, you can also connect them to resources such as writing opportunities that can help keep their mind active and constructive. Book writing can be a therapeutic process for trauma and depression victims, especially those that have had close encounters with the Covid-19. The bottom line is each person deals with depression differently, so be sure to listen to what your friend needs and offer whatever assistance you can.