How to Deal With Relatives Suffering Depression

If you have a relative with depression, being around can be awkward. You want to help them and not do anything that spirals them down into further depression, but you may not be sure how to deal with them.

Instructions

1. Learn more about depression. Ask your healthcare provider for more information.

2. Find out if there's a discussion group for loved ones of people dealing with depression in your area. This is a great way to network with others and deal with the frustration you'll feel helping your relatives with depression. If there isn't one in your area, consider seeing a therapist yourself to learn how to help your relative.

3. Make sure you're watching for signs of depression in yourself. While it's not contagious the same way a cold is contagious, it's very common for it to spread from person to person. Helping a person with depression can lead to depression in you. Make sure you're taking time for yourself to rest and rejuvenate.

4. Do things with them that they enjoy. Listen to them as they vent and be patient if their social skills aren't what they used to be. Remind them to take medicine or attend therapy meetings. Help them with chores and errands. Get them to eat and take time to rest.

5. Let go. Sometimes we can do everything possible to help a person with depression and they're just not able to accept the help. If it reaches the point when you've done everything you can, you may just need to let the person go and hope they'll get better when they're ready to get better.