According to the World Health organization depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Depressed people often function at a lower level than their healthy states. However, they often must continue to function despite their depression. Adaptive skills they commonly employ are dedicated to self-preservation in a world that continues to make the same demands on them as before.
At Work
People who suffer from depression usually have to keep going to work even if their depression is severe and they can barely get out of bed. One way they cope is to stick to a routine. They avoid the unfamiliar and don't take on new tasks. They might do the minimum necessary to get by, but they do it. They'll decrease their interaction with co-workers because previously normal social interaction can feel burdensome and intrusive. All these might seem like unhealthy behaviors, but they are survival techniques. They do what's needed to keep their job and take home a paycheck, and that's a healthy adaptive behavior.
At Home
A depressed person has a low energy level and often reduces his social interaction. If he lives alone, he'll no longer go out to meet people. If he has a family, he won't interact as much as before. In families, children might not be as fully cared for. Household chores are not done as well and emotional giving is reduced. One way to adapt to this is by being open and straightforward with the family. Children who are told directly, but in a reassuring manner, that their mother is in need of some help are more likely to respond in a helpful, caring manner. Children who witness a depressed parent but don't understand what's going on are more likely to be confused and angry and act out. The ability to open up to your family members and elicit their help is therefore an adaptive strategy.
Hobbies
Loss of interest in previous activities and loss of energy are some of the symptoms of depression, according to "Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry." Depressed people often castigate themselves for their inability to function at their previous level. A healthy way to adapt to this lower energy level is to first of all accept it and let go of any guilt about being depressed. The next step is to understand that joy can be found in small things, and that it's OK to have fun or indulge yourself even in the midst of depression. For example, a man who previously used to go out a lot might learn to relish the peace and quiet at home. He might rarely watch television while he's his normal, outgoing self. Now, a familiar television program from childhood can be comforting.
References
- "Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry"; Virginia Sadock and Pedro Ruiz, Editors; 2009
- World Health Organization: Depression
