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The subject of mental illness makes some people uncomfortable.
People who don’t understand mental illnesses, such as depression, may mistakenly
think the person affected by mental illness is "crazy" or can simply
"snap out of it."
Keep in mind that people who are depressed don’t choose to
feel that way. Depression is a medical illness, like diabetes or high blood
pressure, not a personal short-coming or character defect.
Role of the caregiver
The support and involvement of family and friends can
be crucial in helping someone who is depressed. It is especially helpful if
family and friends encourage the patient to stick with treatment and practice
the coping techniques and problem-solving skills he or she is learning during
psychotherapy.
How can I help?
- Make sure that your loved one is evaluated and treated by
a trained mental health professional. This is essential to properly diagnose
depression and find the right kind of treatment.
- Educate yourself, your family, and friends about mental
health problems and depression in particular. This will help you understand
what your loved one is experiencing.
- Someone with depression needs constant support. This can
be draining, especially if it lasts for long periods of time. It is, however,
one of the most important parts of successful treatment. People with
depression can feel alone and isolated; giving consistent support and
understanding is critical.
- Help the person with depression to stick to his or her
treatment plan. This means making sure that medicines are available if
prescribed, attending therapy sessions with the person if needed, helping make
recommended lifestyle changes, and encouraging the person to follow up with
the proper health care provider, especially if the treatment needs to be
adjusted.
Tips for the caregiver
Living with a depressed person can be very difficult and
stressful on family members and friends. Here are some suggestions for living
with a depressed person that may make things easier for you and more beneficial
for the depressed person:
- Recognize that depression is often expressed as
hostility, rejection, and irritability.
- Adopt an interaction style that puts the depressed person
in charge. For example, instead of suggesting, "Let’s go to the movies
tonight," try this: "I’d like to see a movie tonight. Which one of
these do you want to see with me?"
- Encourage the depressed person to seek professional help.
Accompany and support your loved one, but make it clear that it is his or her
responsibility to get better.
- Remember that treatment is very effective, and your loved
one will improve with treatment within a few months.
- Support opportunities for the depressed person to be
rewarded, such as visiting friends or going out for activities. Don’t force
these, though.
- Make sure you notice and praise any significant
improvement. Be genuine.
- Leave time for yourself and your own needs. Take breaks
from the depressed person from time to time. It will help both of you.
- Consider family or marital therapy; these forms of
therapy may be beneficial in bringing together all those affected by
depression and helping them learn effective ways to cope together.
- Consider turning to support groups, either for the
depressed person, or for you as his or her family member.
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