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A natural reaction when you see someone suffering from a lot of stress is of course to help him solve the problem and care for him until bad times are gone for good. The trouble is that all too often we don't really help - quite the contrary.

Rule number one: remember that you are a support of a stress victim, ie. you have to be close. Phone him or her every day, meet for a cup of coffee or go to the cinema from time to time. Feeling lonely is the most dangerous effect of stress. Usually just being there for him or her may get rid of half of the problem.

Another thing you have to do is making sure that the stressed out person has something to do (other than worrying). Inviting for a dinner, playing console games or even MMORPG may take one's attention from problems and let them relax a bit. Remember also that the more stressed out person moves, the better.

People living under stress for a long time will develop serious problems concerning their problem-solving capabilities. However, at the same time they get better and better in hiding them. Your job as a family member or friend is to look out for the signs of such behavior and offer your help even if you are not asked for assistance. The best thing is to just show interest in one's activities and try to help people by working with them rather than for them.

Stress is a dangerous enemy also because it may be very hard to notice. Keep an eye on your friends and loved ones - it is easy to overlook the first signs of coming trouble. If you notice that anyone becomes more and more absent-minded, irritated, and shabby-looking, it should be enough to offer your help. If anyone starts to eat very little or develop sleeplessness - it is a high time to react!

Just remember: you have to be a good friend and help the others to overcome their problems, or just support them during the hard times. You don't have to solve their problems - you just need to be there for them. It is the best way for helping others cope with stress and depression.