A diagnosis of depression can mean hardships not only for the ill person, but also for his or her family. Because so many people are afraid or uninformed about the illness, many families try to hide it from others and deal with it on their own.
If someone in your family has depression, you, too, need understanding, love and support from others. You may need to learn and accept that no one causes depression, just as no one causes diabetes, cancer or heart disease. You are not to blame and you are not alone.
To deal with depression in the family, one of the most important steps you can take is to join a support group. Members of these groups share information and ideas about everything from coping with symptoms to finding financial, medical, and other resources.
Families who deal most successfully with a relative who has depression are those that come to accept the illness and its difficulties, are realistic about what they expect of the ill person and of themselves, and even keep a sense of humor.
Depression causes many problems, but it does not have to destroy you or your family. To deal with it best, it’s very important to take care of yourself and to continue doing things you enjoy. You cannot let the illness take over your life. Try to help the ill person live the best life he or she can today, and do the same for yourself.
