by Carrie Ricketts

Created on: July 11, 2009

Understanding family with depression can be difficult, as often there is no apparent reason for them to be depressed. However, you should keep in mind that there need be no reason, as clinical depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is important to remember that when dealing with family members and depression.

You need to understand that your family member with depression is not lazy and cannot help being depressed. There are things you can do to help them, by being there to listen to them, encouraging them to get help for their depression, inviting them to go out and by not judging them. Support them by being their friend.

You should also take special care of yourself if you are living with someone who is depressed, as dealing with someone with depression day after day can take its toll on you. You need to keep up on activities that you enjoy and get out away from the family member once in awhile.

You can also help by reading up on depression and learning as much as you can about the condition. Encourage your family member to do the same if they are able to concentrate long enough to read, if not try talking to them about what you have learned and educating them.

You can also take them to doctor appointments or their counselling and be there when they are done to offer support. Often after counselling they may need support. Encourage them to take any medication that has been prescribed by their doctor and understand that most antidepressants take 6-8 weeks to work. During that time be supportive and remember that it may take many different medications before they find one that works. Encourage them to keep trying until they find one that works.

Remember depression is very treatable and there is lots of support for family members. Keep positive. Take your loved ones out for some physical activity, a walk or swimming. Exercise has been proven to help with depression, as it boosts endorphins in the brain. They may not feel like going for a walk, however they will feel better after they go for a walk and it is important for them to get out. Encourage them to continue to eat healthy as it is important to keep up good nutrition.

The most important thing is to be supportive and caring for your family member, they cannot help being this way. Consider if they had a heart condition or some other ailment - depression is the same thing a disease.

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