How to Help Melancholic People

Melancholia refers to a person in a state of depression or simply feeling "down" for an extended period of time.[1] 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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Role played by family, friends and colleagues

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    Try to be sympathetic towards the patient. Ask about his/her problems.[2]
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    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]
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    Give them as much of your time as you can. They are in need of some attention and tender loving.[4]
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    Try to take their mind off their problems. Take them bowling, clubbing, hiking, any activity that they really like.[5]
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    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.
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    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]
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    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]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Food that can be of help

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    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]
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    Decreased caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that may lead to insomnia,[9] and melancholics definitely do not need that. Coffee or energy drinks are not a good idea for such people.
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    Healthy/Organic food: Vegetables in the diet have been shown to improve one's health. A happy tummy leads to a happier life.[10]
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    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]  Black tea contains caffeine,[12] however, and should be avoided.[13]
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Warnings

  • If you can't help, don't criticize.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Do not leave your friend or loved one alone while s/he is on a new medication.
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  • 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.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • If the melancholy deteriorates into depression, seek professional help from a doctor or psychologist.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/melancholia
  2. ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/6-ways-to-help-a-friend-with-depression
  3. ↑ https://www.psycom.net/helping-someone-depressed
  4. ↑ https://elsevier.health/en-US/preview/supporting-someone-with-depression
  5. ↑ https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/health/get-active/benefits
  6. ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/melancholia/get-help
  7. ↑ https://elsevier.health/en-US/preview/supporting-someone-with-depression
  8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/water-essential-to-your-body
  9. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/caffeine-and-sleep
  1. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/self-medicating.htm
  2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3512361/
  3. ↑ https://www.garfieldmedicalcenter.com/GMC-Blog/2016/October/Different-Types-of-Tea-and-Caffeine-Content.aspx
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/caffeine-and-depression/faq-20057870

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 24,095 times.
42 votes - 69%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: October 21, 2021
Views: 24,095
Categories: Sadness

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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