The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reveals that an estimated 14.8 million Americans are experiencing major depressive disorder. Of the total population, 1.5 percent struggles with chronic mild depression, which is also known as persistent depressive disorder. It can be difficult to watch someone in your family suffering from depression. The heavy toll of the depressive disorder does not affect the sufferer alone, but it can also have a profound impact on one’s immediate family and/or friends.

The Simple Truth about Depression

It can be difficult to explain how you feel when you are depressed. That may be because depression is a medical condition accompanied by various emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms. It’s not a fleeting occasional mood swing or a sign of weakness. Depression can also be related to health problems or even aging.

As you get older, you may be confronted with life stressors including health problems, fears, bereavement, and/or other emotionally challenging factors that can sometimes feel like too much to handle. It can be natural to have the “blues” when you’re faced with all these stressors and eventually, the negative feelings may pass. However, when they persist, reoccur, interfere with normal activities, and lead to other physical or psychological issues, depression may be the cause. Symptoms of depression, left untreated, will often increase in frequency and intensity, often even escalating to thoughts of ending one’s life.

Depression, despite its daunting name, can be very treatable. Most people who receive early treatment respond favorably and are able to recover. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with any form of depression, the emotional support of family and friends can make a huge difference in alleviating the condition. It may take someone who knows you well to recognize the symptoms of depression and offer help. However, simply saying that “everything is going to be just fine” may not be enough. Instead, you may need encouragement to seek a professional evaluation so that treatment can begin.

The Impact of Depression on the Family

Depression can be hereditary. Those that have been diagnosed with depression may later identify that a parent or other family member also exhibits some of the same behaviors or tendencies. Untreated depression can cause rifts in families, leading to hurt feelings and misunderstandings. Often times a depressed parent can look like a parent who may not care, when in reality this could not be any farther from the truth. To the same effect, a depressed teenager can appear like a teenager abusing drugs or defying authority, another possible misconception. Through proper treatment a family can rebuild and break free from the cycle of depression.

Breaking Free from Depression

Millions of individuals find relief from the gnawing feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and hurt triggered by depression through counseling. There is hope and treatment is available. Start feeling better by making a call to Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC, and allow a licensed, independently contracted therapist to help bring back normalcy to you and your family. Call today.

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