Download Article
Download Article
Melancholia refers to a person in a state of depression or simply feeling "down" for an extended period of time. [1] X Research source This article provides suggestions for helping to comfort a melancholic and speeding his or her recovery. You will not be able to treat the disease, because that requires proper medical care and a physician's consultancy. Family and friends, however, can play a pivotal role in helping someone with depression.
Steps
-
Listen attentively to what they tell you. Simply listening can help a lot, even if you cannot help them solve their issues. Sometimes knowing that someone cares is enough to lessen life's blows. [3] X Research sourceAdvertisement
-
Give them as much of your time as you can. They are in need of some attention and tender loving. [4] X Research source
-
Try to take their mind off their problems. Take them bowling, clubbing, hiking, any activity that they really like. [5] X Research source
-
BE PATIENT with them. It is crucial to know that these people require time to return back to a normal state. It will take months, even years. They will not revert back to normal overnight, so your patience and dedication play a major role in improving their mental state.
-
Remember they are depressed, so do not expect any happy-go-lucky behavior from them right away. They may be cynical and easily agitated, and they are probably emotionally unstable and vulnerable. Their words will sometimes not make much sense. [6] X Research source
-
It's all about your attention, love, and patience. These people are in need of attention and a sympathetic ear. The more attention they receive, the faster their healing is likely to be. [7] X Research source
Advertisement
-
WATER. Water is essential for human life. Adequate hydration helps people to have a better metabolism and health in general. Some studies have shown that adequate water intake i.e., 9-12 glasses of water daily, can help achieve a happier life. [8] X Research source
-
Decreased caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that may lead to insomnia, [9] X Research source and melancholics definitely do not need that. Coffee or energy drinks are not a good idea for such people.
-
Healthy/Organic food: Vegetables in the diet have been shown to improve one's health. A happy tummy leads to a happier life. [10] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
-
Teas: These days we have a wide variety of exotic teas, herbal teas, infused teas, flavored, etc. Lemon grass and green tea have great antioxidant properties and are good not only for depressed people but for anyone. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Black tea contains caffeine, however, and should be avoided. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Patience, attention and love. Three things which, done right, can work wonders in relieving depression.Thanks
- Family and friends can play a vital role in treating depression.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- If you can't help, don't criticize.Thanks
- Do not leave your friend or loved one alone while s/he is on a new medication.Thanks
- If someone threatens suicide or self-harm, talks about death in a positive light, or seems to make purchases that may mean they intend to commit suicide or self-harm, call your local suicide hotline immediately.Thanks
- If the melancholy deteriorates into depression, seek professional help from a doctor or psychologist.Thanks
Advertisement
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about helping people with emotional challenges, check out our in-depth interview with William Gardner, PsyD .
References
- ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/melancholia
- ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/6-ways-to-help-a-friend-with-depression
- ↑ https://www.psycom.net/depression/how-to-help-someone-with-depression
- ↑ https://elsevier.health/en-US/preview/supporting-someone-with-depression
- ↑ https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/health/get-active/benefits
- ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/melancholia/get-help
- ↑ https://elsevier.health/en-US/preview/supporting-someone-with-depression
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/water-essential-to-your-body
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/caffeine-and-sleep
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 31,727 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I am melancholic and introverted, but after reading this, I became light, like a burden dropped. Knowledge really is power. Thanks." ..." more
Advertisement
"I am melancholic and introverted, but after reading this, I became light, like a burden dropped. Knowledge really is power. Thanks."
..."
more
