'You Don't Understand' -Depression Advice for Friends of Sufferers

"You don't understand" are the words often heard by...develop resentments because needs are not met
the friends or relatives of a person suffering from...desire to be free from a pessimistic or sad
depression symptoms. And often they're right:atmosphere in the home
depression is a complex mental illness that cannot truly...not have all the benefits that a relationship offers,
be known except by those who experience it. Yetbecause your loved one is unable to fulfill that role.5
depression treatment cannot be undertaken alone, andThings for You to Remember
there are ways that you, as a concerned friend or1. Your feelings are normal: Depression symptoms [
relative, can help your loved one tackle depressionaffect the sufferer, but they affect you too.
symptoms.First Things First: Know About Depression2. You don't have to be alone: Depression is a
Symptomscommon illness, and there are many others who also
Depression is an illness that has many facets. It helpshave a depressed person in their lives. You may wish
to understand depression symptoms and specificallyto join a support group and connect with others who
how they affect people's relationships with others. It isunderstand your struggles and can give advice on
important to keep in mind that people suffering fromdepression treatment.
depression:3. It's not your fault: It's common for family and friends
...have low self-esteem and lowered self-confidence,of depressed people to feel guilty or wonder if they
and in turn, can devalue or lose confidence in theirhold some responsibility for another person's
relationships.depression. Depression does not occur because of
...strain relationships by self-centered behavior, beinganything you say or do. It is a medical condition that
withdrawn, confused or irritable.needs adequate depression treatment, just as
...feel incapable of lightening the burden they are placingdiabetes or heart disease need to be treated.
on others.4. Don't lose hope: Effective depression treatment
...often don't realize they need depression treatment,exists! Psychotherapy and/or medication have been
much less the effect their condition has on their lovedshown to be quite effective, as well as vitamins
ones.supplements for depression treatment. More than 80%
...can become non-productive or unable to function inof those who seek depression treatment feel better
their career, impacting on the lives of others.within several weeks.
...may have lowered libido, which impacts a marriage.5. Take good care of yourself: To help your
...find it more difficult to think or concentrate, so normaldepressed loved one, you need to stay healthy too!
functioning in a relationship is also affected.Set boundaries and limits on how much you can and
...may resist their love one's attempts to offerwill do, and stick to them. It is okay to take a vacation
depression treatment.from caretaking once in a while. Schedule time for
Of course, not only the patient suffers fromyourself and do things that bring you enjoyment and
depression symptoms. Living with a depressed personsatisfaction. This is not neglecting your loved-one's
can lead you to:depression treatment, it is being healthy and
...blame yourselfcompassionate towards yourself. In this way you will
...feel demoralized, overly criticized or not appreciatedbe better able, and a better friend.