Strata smoking fines tossed
Seeking a wildfire 'hero'
BC firm's materials in space
UN workers charged 
Trudeau in Saskatoon 
Doctors protest tax change
Jury finds railway at fault 
Mistrial in migrant shooting
Military helicopters collide 
Tourism operators struggle 
Nude Beverages sells line
Wealth gap widening
Leafs even series
Cristall gets pro look
Warriors even series in OT
Swift breaks Spotify record
Cudi Coachella set cut short
Bon Jovi 'hasn't been a saint'
10 ways to support loved ones during the holidays
With the holiday season gearing up, I thought I’d share a reminder about how difficult this time of year can be for many people.
For those who have experienced loss, are alone, or living with mental illness, the holidays can be particularly stressful and overwhelming.
For a depressed person, it can be impossible to be cheerful or merry even when every aspect of our culture seems to demand it.
If you have a loved one with depression or another mental illness, simply offering your support at this time of year may be the best gift you could give. Here are a few simple ways to show your support during the holidays or any time of year.
1. Listen. You probably won’t be able to solve any problems but if a loved one chooses to talk to you, just listen. Even if you don’t understand and can’t fix things, listening can be a comfort and help in itself.
2. Give a hug. Simple gestures of physical love like a hug can make a big difference.
3. Be patient. It can be frustrating, confusing and demoralizing to watch a loved one who is depressed.
When you are not experiencing those feelings yourself, it is easy to wonder why the person doesn’t simply snap out of it.
A person dealing with mental illness can also say and do very hurtful things. Try not to take it personally and remember it is the illness talking.
4. Get them out of the house. Depressed people often lose motivation to do things they enjoy or even to get out into the world. Some fresh air and a non-stressful outing can be a helpful distraction.
5. Give them space. It’s important for your loved one to know you are there for them, but if they ask for space, respect their request.
6. Do the little things. Gestures like bringing a cup of tea, making a meal, helping with a household task or offering to run an errand help a person feel less overwhelmed and show your support in a tangible way.
7. Separate the person from the illness. Mental illness does not define your loved one. Remind them of that.
8. Encourage small steps. Remember that movie, What About Bob? The psychiatrist encouraged baby steps. Progress is progress and small steps can build to bigger ones. Your encouragement is a gift.
9. Understand you are not to blame. When someone you love is unhappy, it is easy to put the blame on yourself. You are not responsible for mental illness.
Nothing you could have done differently would have prevented it and you can’t simply will the person to feel better.
Mental illness is just that, an illness.
10. Encourage getting help. If your loved one is dealing with chronic depression or other mental health symptoms, professional help could be needed for them to get better.
You usually can’t force the issue, but encouragement or assistance in getting help might be needed.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
