Depression is a mental health illness that is more than just feeling sad or overwhelmed. It occurs when a person experiences feelings of sadness, worthlessness, hopeless and fearfulness on a severe level every day for no valid reason. Depression is a chronic illness that can be caused by genetics; trauma or abuse; imbalanced levels of certain mood altering neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin; or hormonal changes that may come with conditions such as thyroid problems or menopause. Depression cannot be easily fixed or cured. It takes time and effort from the depressed individual and those around them to successfully deal with the depression.
Step 1
Teach the family about the general symptoms of depression. Talk about what depression may look like. Explain how a depressed person might behave, for example, sleeping more or less; consuming a lot more food to the point that they begin to gain weight; or eating less and losing weight. Express how a depressed person might not be interested in doing anything even when he is asked to participate in activities he previously enjoyed.
Help them understand that depression effects a person’s motivation and energy levels. People that are depressed may appear constantly fatigued and hopeless. Encourage them to pay attention to possible suicidal behaviors, which include talking about death or suicide, giving away important items and expressing the idea that no one will miss him when he is gone.
Step 2
Ask family members if they have any questions or concerns. Family members may need to be prompted into asking the questions they have. These prompts may need to occur on more than one occasion.
People may have trouble comprehending the mental illness of depression. They may be unable to relate it to their own state of mind, and the negative world that a depressed family member finds himself in may be incomprehensible to others. Tell them any question is valuable to ask because others in the family may have the same questions.
Show your understanding and lack of judgment when a question is asked. Always ask if anyone has any more questions or concerns. Answer questions that you may know other families have asked in the past.
Step 3
Address depression treatment. Explain the various forms of treatment that are available such as cognitive-behavior therapy, exposure therapy and medication. Inform the family that treatment for depression is highly effective for reducing a person’s symptoms and getting her life back.
Help them to understand that treatment for depression works with the person to learn about her negative thinking patterns and find ways to change those thinking patterns. Let them know that treatment does not begin working overnight, and for some people, it may take over a year for treatment to be effective. Let them know that treatments work best if people are provided with continuous outside support.
Step 4
Explain that depression is not the individual's fault. Let them know that nearly five percent of the American adult population deals with depression annually according to National Alliance on Mental Illness. Make them understand that depression occurs due to chemical changes in the brain and that it can take control of a person’s life.
