How to Deal if Depression Runs in Your Family
Once again I am featuring a guest writer on this blog. I hope you will find her article helpful. Hopefully I'll be back to writing again soon. Susan
Depression, as most of us who have either directly experienced it or have known someone who has, can have an absolutely devastating effect for all involved. It becomes even more of a problem when two or more family members suffer from depression, simply because as someone who is depressed, you want to be around as many positive influences as possible.
The sad fact of the matter is that depression is indeed genetically passed down, and it isn't at all uncommon for immediate family members to be simultaneously affected. And so, there is no need to feel alone in the event that you are in such a position. Other than seeking help from a trusted medical professional and trying your best to balance your lifestyle with healthy eating, sleeping, and exercising patterns, there are specific steps you can take to make sure that your family dynamic remains stable and nurturing.
1. Remember that dealing with depression is a team effort.
If you in addition to one or more family members is affected by depression, you must remember that family is a source of help and support, not the opposite. Sometimes it will fall upon the people without depression to act as mediators, but this role can only go so far. Acceptance, awareness, and understanding are key components in living peacefully among a family plagued by depression.
2. Spend some time outside of the family dynamic.
Since depression can often be an overwhelming experience for a single individual, the symptoms can be exacerbated if several people living together are experiencing the same thing. It is important to spend some time apart, in the company of different social groups, in order to get different perspectives. These perspectives can go a long way in helping you bring more positive attitudes to the table when you return home to spend time with the family.
3. Shared depression isn't necessarily a bad thing.
A shared experience can sometimes be a source of empathy and commiseration. From my own experience, two of my best friends have been diagnosed with depression, and it helps a lot to be among people who understand what the other is going through. Since mental disorders are so commonly isolating, it is really difficult to explain to those who aren't suffering themselves.
These steps are in no way intended to replace advice from a medical professional. If you or any of your family members or friends display symptoms of depression, it is best to seek out a psychiatrist immediately. However, these steps can perhaps serve the purpose of giving additional support and insight. Remember—you and your family are not alone in suffering.
By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Kitty Holman, who writes on the topics of Online Nursing Schools . She welcomes your comments at her email Id: kitty.holman20@gmail.com
Categories: family, depression, mental health
Tags: ozzieblackcat Mental Health Depression Blog His and Hers Blog
The family, as a primary support group, should be the very same who can understand and accept your emotional problems. I agree that 'shared depression' can happen between 2 or more members of the family. It can be a positive thing since both are able to relate to what each other is going through. However, it would be all the more helpful to consult a psychologist like Dr. Robert A Moss or any psychologist in your locality for a professional advice. They can help you in figuring out effective means to overcome depression. It can be helpful if you can enter group therapy sessions too so that you can learn from other people's experiences.
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I completely agree that family and support should be the most important factor when getting help for depression. I work with SAMHSA and to find out ways you can help a family member or friend dealing with depression, please visit http://www.whatadifference.org/mentalhealth
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This was a great information about how to deal with depression in the family. I also want to add my research about depression. I hope you find it useful. Depression can be familial, suggesting that a biological vulnerability to depression can be inherited. It usually begins between the ages of 15 and 30, and tends to be much more common in women. There are several forms of depression with major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder being the most common.difficulty sleeping or oversleeping; irritability or restlessness; feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained; problems concentrating, remembering details and making decisions; persistent aches, pains or digestive problems that are not responding to treatment; social isolation; crying spells; and contemplating suicide or suicide attempt. Mangosteen has been shown to help in the battle against all forms of brain disorders, allowing the neurons to grow and neurotransmitters to function properly. It also prevents damage in brain cells, enabling the mind to think better and provides a sense of well-being. This is actually the anti-depressant property of mangosteen.
Kind Regards,
Annie
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Unfortunately it is true that depression can run in families. In many situations however you don't have to be defined by your genes you just have to compensate for them. There are some biochemical or physical causes that run in families, but many can be treated specifically (and I don't mean by antidepressants).
I've just written an article about 1 biochemical cause for depression that runs in families and can be treated with nutritional supplements (a mineral and vitamin). You can see the article here if you are interested.
http://www.squidoo.com/a-depression-cure-for-the-whole-family
Thanks.
Janelle
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Good you article. I would add: that in our time to find a good doctor, very difficult, so I think it is better to find his own way out of depression, and these methods in your article indicated. Recently wrote an article entitled "Twelve steps to overcome depression", which complement yours.
Regards Ted.
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