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Written by Mitamins Team
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Sunday, 29 April 2007 |
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Word Count: 744 I Live with a Depressed Person: What Can I Do?
Depression has become a modern day epidemic, with 20 million Americans
experiencing major depression at some point during their lives. Many more
experience mild or moderate depression symptoms.
Depression Treatment: The Good News
A variety of Western and natural depression treatments exist today, as well as
support groups, psychotherapy, and exercise. Studies show that between 70 to 90%
of those who receive depression treatment recover from their symptoms. All the
evidence is very clear on this: depression symptoms can be controlled, and mild
to moderate depression can be treated completely.
Depression Treatment: The Bad News
However - and this is a real tragedy - many people suffering from depression
symptoms do not get the treatment they need. Depression treatment that is
available, which has a devastating effect on marriages and family relations, is
either not given to patients because of misdiagnosis, or is out of the price
range for some sufferers. In addition, pharmaceutical depression treatments
often have very severe side-effects, which are not suitable for the milder
symptoms often suffered.
Taking Control of Your Loved One’s Depression
Clearly more information is needed so that misdiagnosis does not occur, and
better support can be given to those who need it. For those who can’t afford
traditional medicines - or for those who cannot stand the debilitating
side-effects - alternative treatments for depression symptoms are needed.
The first step in helping with a loved one’s depression is to know that the
support, the information, and the treatments are all there for you to discover.
You are not alone if you live with someone who needs treatment for
depression symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression is an illness that has many facets. It helps to understand depression
symptoms and specifically how they affect people’s relationships with others. It
is important to keep in mind that people suffering from
depression:
1. have low self-esteem and lowered self-confidence, and in turn, can devalue or
lose confidence in their relationships.
2. strain relationships by self-centered behavior, being withdrawn, confused or
irritable.
3. feel incapable of lightening the burden they are placing on others.
4. often don’t realize they need depression treatment, much less the effect
their condition has on their loved ones.
5. can become non-productive or unable to function in their career, impacting on
the lives of others.
6. may have lowered libido, which impacts a marriage.
7. find it more difficult to think or concentrate, so normal functioning in a
relationship is also affected.
8. may resist their love one’s attempts to offer depression
treatment.
Of course, not only the patient suffers from depression symptoms. Living with a
depressed person can lead you to:
1. blame yourself
2. feel demoralized, overly criticized or not appreciated
3. develop resentments because needs are not met
4. desire to be free from a pessimistic or sad atmosphere in the home
5. not have all the benefits that a relationship offers, because your loved one
is unable to fulfill that role.
Treatment of Depression Symptoms: A 6-Point Plan
To deal with living with someone needing depression treatment, positive steps
you can take include the following six things:
1. Attending a support group for family and friends of a depressed person,
people who are willing to offer support.
2.Joining an online forum support group offering advice on depression treatment
if you can’t find a support group in your community.
3. Learning everything you can about the treatment of depression symptoms from
books on the subject and by listening to experts.
4. Making attempts to get the person to overcome their denial about needing
depression treatment and/or diagnosis.
5. Listening to the depressed person’s own description of his or her feelings
and experience of depression symptoms. Refrain from verbally analyzing the
condition yourself.
6. Relying on a professional such as a reliable, experienced psychologist to
describe what things you could try that might be helpful either to you or your
loved one.
If your loved one avoids depression treatment and diagnosis, take definite steps
that keep yourself healthy by seeking support and professional help. Living with
a depressed person is a difficult thing for all parties involved. In the long
term, because you care for your loved one, your actions to get help may turn out
to be what makes the difference for everyone.
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