Depression: How It Affects Family and Friends

The focus is on how the entire family is affected by a member’s depressive state. It offers information on how to assist family members who are depressed as well as typical symptoms of depression in family members.

Depression in the family brings tension, worry, fear, and anger. This is because family members do not know how to handle a loved one who is depressed.

Once, I didn’t know that a friend of mine was depressed. Suddenly, after things had returned to normal, she would disappear for a while. She never answers when I call or leave a message.

Despite my frustration and rage, I called to see if she would answer. She finally apologized and claimed to not be feeling well. Things continued as usual; we were always in touch, but after a month or so, she stopped returning calls.

Later, she got in touch with me, and we resumed our conversation, but by that point, I had lost faith in the relationship. I also noticed the circle of ghosting me keeps going on and on.

Although it was exhausting, I didn’t want to let her go because she was a great friend. Besides, the inconsistent communication had worn me out. I learned she had a depressive disorder from our conversation.

The depression had been going on for years, and she had no idea how to deal with it. Since I had no idea how to manage the situation, I urged her to consider counseling before she agreed.

Anyway, I’ve been ghosted again, but I make an effort to call and send texts to let her know I’m still present.

Families with a depressed member frequently experience what I described. Particularly in black communities like Nigeria, depression is not always discussed or recognized.

Due to their ignorance of depression, most family members become furious and irritated when they learn that a loved one is depressed. They avoid discussing it and push such conversations under the rug.

The result of their loved one’s recovery from depression is greatly influenced by how their family members react.

What are the typical indications of depression in a loved one that family members can spot to avoid being misinformed?

Symptoms Of Depression In An Individual That Affects Family

Depression does not only affect the individual alone but also family members. In my friend’s situation, her depression was starting to have an impact on our friendship. She wasn’t someone I trusted to be there for me. The partnership was at an all-time low due to her depressive symptoms.

Here are some indicators of depression that family members can look out for in a loved one.

Please be aware that a family member cannot be considered depressed unless three or more of the signs exist.

1. Uncontrolled emotions

2. A decline in appetite or weight gain

3. Change of plans

4. Staying in bed all-day

5. Insomnia or sleeping too much

6. Problems making choices

7. Undiagnosed medical issue

These are a few of the typical symptoms of depression that are quite obvious in a loved one. They experience these symptoms repeatedly, which makes it difficult for them to manage their relationships or carry out everyday activities.

Effect Of Depression in Family and How to Cope

Depression in one family member always affects the whole family or friendship. This is due to the depressed loved one no longer putting forth any effort to strengthen the family and other connections.

The following effects are felt by relatives and friends.

· Family members and friends become worried.

· If a depressed individual is suicidal, especially, family members and friends start to feel threatened.

· Family members and friends experience stress, burnout, and exhaustion.

· Because they don’t believe they can assist, family and acquaintances feel guilty.

· Family members and close friends become irritated and angry.

· Because they are unable to handle the behavior, family, and friends start to avoid the depressed individual.

Dealing with someone who is depressed is difficult, as I have learned. Like my friend, I eventually had to delete her number because I was overwhelmed by her mood swings and ghosting. I don’t like the person she is making me into, so sometimes when she calls back, I am yelling and angry.

Later, I concluded that you should have lower expectations of depressed people. They do not know how to leave the pensive environment in which they find themselves. I didn’t expect her to return my calls, so all I did was occasionally check in on her. This approach will assist you in reducing your anxiety, dread, and anger.

You have to learn to take care of your feelings and emotions and not let anyone’s attitude affect how you feel.

How Can Family and Friends Support Their Depressed Loved One

Please be aware that you can only offer support to a loved one who is depressed. Do not attempt to turn into a superhero because you cannot solve the challenge. I gave it a try, felt exhausted and powerless, and eventually began to feel guilty.

But here are a few methods you can assist with:

· When you observe the symptoms, especially, schedule a counseling appointment for them.

· Offer to drive them to lovely spots for some fresh air.

· Listen well and avoid passing judgment on them.

· Attempt to schedule activities with them. This will help them feel worthy.

· Read blog posts about depression and ask a licensed mental health professional questions about depression.

· Be very patient with them and check in on them occasionally, but do not place your life on hold.

When attempting to help a friend or family member who is depressed, keep in mind that you need to take care of yourself as well.

Going Forward

It can be difficult to determine if a loved one is depressed; for this reason, you should learn more and seek clarification. Being ignorant can make things worse, so pay attention.

You will need to take care of yourself and encourage one another because the depressing mood of a loved one can spread.

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