What is the best way to help someone who is dealing with anxiety/depression?

@Miram in person

@NewKidInTown

That gives you more resources. Because most needs are expressed non-verbally. And when having diagnosed depression many only realize what they want in the process, not before.

I have to say that the first thing is finding out what they are uncomfortable with, their boundaries. For me it's complements and physical touch when I am having an episode. For my friend it's being pushed to deal with people, having guests or any form of sudden communication. It can be anything.

Then instead of pushing them to do stuff, you create opportunities for them to grow or négociate emotions. Like my ex, he wanted to cheer me up without making me feel like we are different emotional dimensions, so he brought puppies from the shelter he works at and pretended to need help to clean them. And I left bed to do that when I saw them.

I think more important than anything , you have to show them you will be there for them. And no matter what mental state they are in, you aren't burdened by it.

@NewKidInTown Also please remember to take care of yourself 🤗 It's helpful to do so. That means being nice to you if you make mistakes or feel you are not doing enough.

@Miram Great, terrific advice. Thank you so much for this, and yes, I find visual clues are very important to knowing how she is feeling, and if she is up for doing anything or needing alone time