It can be difficult to know what to do when dealing with a depressed family member.If you want to have the most positive interaction with your depressed family, you should know how to approach them.It's a good place to start talking about it.
Step 1: Their illness is not your fault.
It can seem like you had something to do with someone in your family struggling with depression.It is not your fault.Depression makes it difficult for people to connect with their loved ones.It is important to understand that it is not personal to help this person.
Step 2: It is a real illness.
When talking to a depressed family member, keep in mind that they are dealing with a physical problem.It can be tempting to blame their mental disorder on decisions they have made, but it is not their fault.It is possible for your love and support to help them recover from depression.
Step 3: Support is offered.
One of the most valuable things you can give someone struggling with depression is your support.Offering to let someone with depression talk about what they are feeling is an important part of recovery.It will make them feel less alone.You can offer to help them find a support group where they can talk to people who have been through the same thing they are going through.
Step 4: Ask direct questions.
To help a depressed family member, you need to know what's going on.There are a lot of things that can go on with depression, so you have to ask direct questions to get to the heart of it.Asking your loved one to explore why they are depressed can help them get over it.When did you start to feel bad? Do you know what made it worse?
Step 5: Don't tell the person to change.
Demanding that your loved one change the way they feel is pointless because they don't know how to do it.When they don't change, you will feel frustrated, and they will be angry at you.This can cause shame in them, which makes things worse.
Step 6: Don't try to fix the family member.
They won't learn how to manage feelings of sadness on their own if you try to rescue them.It is unlikely that you will be able to make the depression go away, and the fact you are sticking your finger into their lives can make them feel frustrated with you.It will lead to negative interactions with your loved one, such as when fixing it doesn't work and you get angry with them.Accept them for who they are.
Step 7: Don't have a negative attitude.
Make realistic expectations for your depressed loved one and keep an optimistic attitude.It is possible for your loved one to get help for depression.If you keep hope at the forefront of your mind, you can help them have hope as well.
Step 8: If your family member is sad, you should notice.
When there is no cause for depression, you feel sad.Watching for signs of extra sadness in your family member can help identify depression.They don't know why they sound sad, so listen to them when they talk.They may also show signs of being sad.
Step 9: If they have a loss interest, notice it.
Depression can be caused by losing interest in things that used to get them excited.If they start replying "no" frequently to activities that they used to love, as well as acting listless and bored most of the time, watch their behavior and notice.Hobbies and sports are usually what these are.People with no interest in anything can be lethargic, not wanting to move or do physical activity.
Step 10: There was increased anger and notice increased.
Depression sufferers are discouraged about things that used to make them happy because they are sad.Being unhappy can cause you to get upset about small things on a regular basis.Someone in your family may be depressed if they can't seem to be happy.
Step 11: They should watch their sleeping patterns.
When it comes to sleep, people with depression go to one extreme or the other.Either they can't sleep at all or they sleep too much.If someone in your family complains about insomnia, watch for other signs of depression.Sleeping too much can make you feel bad most of the time.
Step 12: Don't forget to educate yourself.
Understanding how depression works is a good place to start dealing with a depressed family member.This allows you to understand how a family member's illness works, and it shows that you are supportive and that someone with depression needs to feel appreciated.
Step 13: Discuss it with your family.
The whole family is affected by a family member's depression.It can be helpful to sit down as a family to discuss it with a depressed family member.This will help you discover what doesn't work.
Step 14: Meet their therapist.
If your depressed family member agrees, you can meet with their therapist and check on their progress.You can see if what you are doing at home is helping or hurting them.The therapist can teach you more.
Step 15: You should go to a family therapist.
It may be helpful to seek out couples or family counseling to get everyone to talk about their feelings about a depressed family member.Marriages can be affected by depression and this therapy can help.Family counseling helps children understand that their role is not their fault.
Step 16: Help build a support system for them.
Offer to help build a support system for your depressed family member.If any of your friends have had depression, you can ask them to talk to your family member.If your family member is interested in joining a support group, you can find it.It is important for you to build a support system so that you don't feel overwhelmed by taking care of a depressed family member.
Step 17: Shop for a therapist.
Encourage your depressed family member to seek out a therapist, offering to help them find one that meets their needs.If you have an insurance plan that requires you to look at specific therapists, you may have gotten a recommendation from someone.Your help can keep a depressed family member from giving up on the therapy process, which is very important for their success.