Caring about someone with anxiety and depression is about as exhausting as having anxiety or depression. I was asked recently by a dear friend what I thought parents, friends, etc. could do to help the people they love get better/feel better and I do have some thoughts on the situation (shocking, I know).
Love and support them no matter what and remind them of that every chance you can. Remind them that they are an amazing person no matter what scary things are happening in their head. And ask. Ask them when they feel okay what they want when they feel less okay. What works for me may not work for someone else – just make sure that whoever you’re talking to is in a good enough headspace to talk about it. Sometimes I can’t engage in a conversation about my mental illness because sometimes it just seems too overwhelming – those times are not the best times to talk to me about it. Open up a conversation and understand that some things will be too hard to talk about and try not to take anything personally. This is about them, not you. Don’t blame yourself. Apologize and let them apologize. Encourage them to seek help, help them get over their own issues with meds and therapy (USE A CRUTCH IF YOU NEED IT – THERE IS NO SHAME) and love them even if they disagree with you.
I am always happy to answer questions as best I can – email me or go to the contact link on this site. I’m not 100% sure how it works but that’s kind of how I’m doing my life so what else is new!
The Life of a Mourning Dove 