Depression, Endurance for the Journey, Featured

Practical Support

Share each other’s burdens …
GALATIONS 6:2 (NLT)

The most important practical thing you can do for a friend who may be depressed is to help him or her get both a medical and a counseling evaluation to create a treatment plan. The sooner treatment is started, the sooner the depression will be relieved. You can also help your friend in the recovery process. Here are some suggestions:

Encourage your friend to complete the entire course of treatment (counseling, medication, etc). Many people battling with depression want to quit treatment when their symptoms begin to improve. However, stopping treatment prematurely can result in a worsening of symptoms and a longer recovery.

If your friend’s symptoms aren’t improving after a few weeks, encourage him or her to consult their physician and/or counselor again as treatment plans often need to be adjusted, especially if the plan includes medication.

If your friend is struggling to keep treatment appointments, offer to accompany him or her.

On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave Dravecky