How to Live/Work with a depressed person

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Registered: 03-11-2004
How to Live/Work with a depressed person
Wed, 09-27-2006 - 1:40pm

I wanted to share this. It would seem that this information would work with an anxious person or anyone with illness. HTH jan


Best selling author & psychologist, Bob Murray has defined nine rules for living or working with a depressed person.


1.) Understand the disorder. Take time to find out what depression is or is not.


2.) Keep in mind that he/she can't *snap out of it.* Remember that the other person has a real illness. Like someone with cancer, they simply can't *get over it.*


3.) Ask about his feelings and his/her childhood programming. Encourage them to discuss their feelings with you.


4.) Admit your own powerlessness against the disorder. Many people believe that they can cure someone they love by the sheer force of their love, but they can't.


5.) Do not try to rescue. A person suffering from a mood disorder will probably be a slave to their depressive program.


6.) Don't make excuses for him/her. Never become a part of the depressed person's denial.


7.) Encourage him to seek help. Search for information with him.


8.) Discover your own programming. It's important to realize that the other person's depression is playing a role in your life.


9.) Tell him/her what you need. The depressed person in your life may be ill, but you still have needs of him/her.