| 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 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 you 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 are 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 healthcare 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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