How Family Can Support a Person with Depression
– Riju Raj Roy & Trishi Agarwal

Depression is classified as a mood disorder or a condition that makes a person feel sad, lonely, and sometimes angry. Such moods can interfere with their regular activities and affect their quality of life. These symptoms may not be very apparent initially but may worsen over time.

Just feeling low or down sometimes cannot be called does depression – highs and lows are part of life. However, if a person feels it more often than not, or regularly, then it is better to reach out to a mental health professional. It is essential to address this condition not only because it can get worst with time but can also cause various life complications.

What is the cause of depression?

Depression can occur due to biopsychosocial factors. There might not always be a specific cause for it. However, there could be various factors like family history or a stressful life event involved. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a tragic event is the cause of depression. It may merely be the trigger for it. Depression can happen to anyone without any discrimination. People from different walks of life, different age groups or socioeconomic statuses can suffer from it.

Often depression can co-occur with other mental health issues or physical ailments. Substance use (addiction) has been very closely linked to depression, as both can co-occur and affect the individual’s holistic well-being. Most of the substances like alcohol that are socially consumed by people are depressants by nature. They are not only addictive, but regular use can lead to significant losses, related to health, financial, relationship, reputation, career or education. Such a situation can also induce depression in an individual.

Depression and denial

People may be depressed but may not be able to identify the symptoms because while going through depression, one may not have a clear thought process. They may not be able to identify and even accept the disease. Denial can play a significant role in the progression of it as the individual may not be ready to accept it, and will not initiate or comply with the treatment.

Role of family and friends

It is many a time difficult for family and friends also to see depression because the individual may not express his or her thoughts and feelings very overtly. It is sometimes identified by the loved ones who observe the ongoing changes in the behaviour. It is, therefore, vital for family and friends to communicate with each other. If they identify changes in the conduct of a person and continue to interact with them, it may give the person suffering from depression a scope to reach out. This opens a door to providing support – from family, friends and professionals.

Family plays a significant role in terms of expressing emotions and being a supportive element in the life of a depressed person. However, they must encourage the person to seek professional help. Since depression is a clinical disorder, it may not get better with time, and professional intervention would be required. The family further plays a more significant role while the depression is getting treated. A person may go through a complicated process to deal with their depression and learn to manage their life. Family and friends play an important role in making the individual feel comfortable and loved, which can further motivate them to get better. Patience and hope are the core essentials during such a situation.