Going Through Depression
as a Family

Depression is a serious condition that is affecting a growing number of people. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), depression is a leading cause of disability to an estimated 16 million American adults, or 6.9 percent of the population. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that depression is a global behavioral disorder, with 350 million people worldwide suffering from symptoms of depression.

Depression is more than mood fluctuations, or other human emotions such as grief and sadness that go away in time. Depression is chronic and pervasive, ranging from moderate to severe intensity. It can cause you to lose interest in things that you used to enjoy. It can impact functioning in a variety of settings, including work, school and home. Without treatment, depression can lead to serious complications, such as self-harming behavior.

An Unwelcome Intruder in the Family

Depression not only impacts those with symptoms but also those closest to them. One’s family often plays a critical role in understanding and helping their loved one get treatment, yet depression can be powerful and affect each family member. Both NAMI and WHO agree that millions of individuals are living with depression, and so can an entire family, even if they are not aware of it. Even without having depression yourself, you can be affected by depressive symptoms.

Research shows that a family experiencing depression has greater impairment in functioning than those with members diagnosed with other disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or adjustment disorder. Communication, marital adjustment, expressed emotion, and problem-solving are often the most affected. Communication in these families is usually accompanied by high levels of tension, negative expressions of feelings, self-preoccupation, and lack of nonverbal patterns of love and support. Rates of divorce are higher if depression affects one or both partners.

Depression in a family can emotionally drain what was once an energetic household, transforming the home into a place of negative emotions. As much as they may want to disguise their condition, depression tends to manifest itself as a physical illness and can create an atmosphere of irritability, pessimism, sarcasm or silence which can dominate the household. With depression, family members can be more inclined to isolate.

Empathizing with Those with Depression

Family members with depression can be left feeling disheartened and can have less energy to enjoy activities that were once a source of great joy. Depression can impact self-esteem and confidence. Every aspect of life can be impacted, including activities, household chores, eating right, intimacy, or parenting. Depression can take away a person’s sense of joy.

Although symptoms vary, depression can sometimes seem like an invader. It can leave you feeling afraid and worried your loved one may harm themselves. If you’re living in the same home, you may feel powerless and struggle with a mixture of emotions, ranging from anxiety to anger to guilt. These feelings are understandable and need to be addressed, though it can be difficult to do this when you are afraid for someone you love.

Understanding the Impact of Depression on Family

It is understandable for family members, other relatives and friends to experience a whole range of uncomfortable emotions when some they care about is experiencing depression. It is understandable to feel upset when someone you love is struggling. It can also be frustrating to have a family member unable to provide support and engage in the family due to intrusive symptoms of depression.

As symptoms become more apparent, family members may feel anxious about whether their loved one will be able to recover and regain their previous level of functioning. Just as someone with depression can resort to withdrawal and isolation, the entire family can retreat as well, and learn to adjust to a life without all members playing an active role. It can seem impossible to think about your own needs when a family member is struggling.

Depression has a way of aggravating the well-being of the whole household. One member’s distress can become everyone’s distress. Studies suggest that living with someone who is depressed is a reason to seek professional intervention. The need to treat depression is vital. Having family involved in treatment can also be helpful. For the practitioner, their perspective is useful, but for someone with depression, the support of the family can be key.

Moving Forward Together

There is no such thing as a perfect family. However, family can be a major source of care, comfort, and support. If you suspect that depression is affecting your family, help is available. Therapy can help.

Admittedly, it can take significant effort on the part of everyone to rise above depression. Helping someone you love can be challenging. You may feel helpless and at a loss for what to do. A good starting point can be seeing a counselor. Therapy can help you to better understand and improve family dynamics.

CCS contacts therapists who know how to treat depression. They can help you and your family move past depression, becoming stronger together. It may initially be scary, but you are not alone. Call Carolina Counseling Services – West Fayetteville, NC today!

Related Articles: