What To Do When Someone You Love Suffers From Depression

By Author: Eric Choong
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In the next few paragraphs, we will explore new ideas and thoughts that may help you decide what is best for you.

When you love someone who suffers from depression or bipolar disorder you may find yourself frustrated, irritated or losing your ability to tolerate their behavior towards yourself, your children or other friends and family. Sadly, while great improvements have been made to nurse these disorders, the family and friends coping with sufferers over and over again feel hopeless or discouraged by their endeavor to help.

If you are living with, or close to someone who is diagnosed or appears to be distressing from depression or bipolar you will find below tips beneficial for helping both the individual and yourself from the awful effects of depression.

IDENTIFY SYMPTOMS

If the person you love has not been diagnosed with depression it is important for you to analyze their behavior and take action upon it. If the person displays symptoms of depression they may not aware it on their own. Depression normally causes a person to feel like a failure and they may blame themselves for lacking of interest, ...
... energy or ability to show affection as a personal weakness rather than a medical problem.

Individuals who have bipolar disorder frequently imagine bouts of manic symptoms can simply mean they have high energy rather than a problem that needs attention. By means of a questionnaire online or from a pamphlet can be a guidance to you or your loved one to identify symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder.

Keep reading further to learn how this topic can benefit you, as the rest of this article will supply you with the needed information.

SEEK TREATMENT

If you feel that your loved one is showing symptoms of depression, including an inability to show interest in activities that they usually enjoyed, sleeping more or less than usual, unexplained crying, withdrawing from interactions and talk of suicide, it is crucial that they seek medical intervention right away.

If the individual refuses to seek treatment you may need to enlist the help of others to speak to them, counting anyone they might respond to - friends, teachers, counselors. You can even ask your own doctor for help if no one else can convince them. If they talk about suicide call 911 or a suicide emergency help line immediately.

BE SUPPORTIVE

Probably the most important action you can take, apart from getting the person medical treatment is to remain nonjudgmental and consistently supportive.

The symptoms of depression can be different in intensity but their affect on a relationship is always negative. A depressed person feels unworthy and weak. This self-depreciation worsens the depression. Losing the ability to work, communicate or enjoy life will erode relationships, lead to financial problems and affect intimacy.

It is important to remember this is not the true nature or feelings of the person suffering from depression. A depressed person may initiate arguments or tell you they don't love you. Do not believe them or take what they said to heart. Indulging their grievances will only lead to further depression.

If the person is being treated for their depression remind them that treatment will eventually work and stay positive. Remind them that this is a medical problem and that they are not to blame. Don't push them to do more than they are capable of and never suggest that they just "pull themselves together" because that will lead to more feelings of worthlessness. On a regular basis inviting the person to go for a walk, enjoy a movie or other outing, or simply listen to them talk can help when the person feels able to do these activities.

KEEP PERSPECTIVE

If you have been through several bouts of depression with the one you love, remember the episode will sooner or later end. If you are having trouble keeping perspective you might search for a support group for friends and family of those suffering from depression to help you feel connected to others dealing with similar situations.

Find a confidant who will listen without judgment. Especially when dealing with a depressed spouse you may feel unloved or hopeless. Having a friend or therapist who you can share your feelings with will help you remember that it is not the person or yourself causing this turmoil, it is a medical problem that must be viewed as temporary and treatable.

If we have failed to answer all of your questions, be sure to check into other resources on this educational topic.

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Author: Eric Choong
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