Living With A Depressed Person

Advice for Family and Friends - to Help You Cope and Assist Recovery

There's no doubt its tough living with a depressed person, you may even find yourself questioning who is the depressed one?

Having experienced living with a depressed person, and having depression, I can share first hand knowledge from both points of view. Its not a pretty picture from either side, and the situation can be very destructive for all concerned.

Different Types of Depression

There are various types of depression - chronic depression, severe depression, mild depression or major depression. Then there is Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, and Seasonal Affective Disorder - all terms which you may have heard applied to someone you know who struggling with depression.

Whatever the name given to the disorder it can have a long lasting effect on the lives of both the sufferer and partner. By learning about the disorder you can be supportive and be more tolerant and understanding.

If you find yourself offering advice which is being ignored or rejected, don't take it personally, just be as kind and caring as you can muster in the face of rejection. Remind yourself of what you have learned about depression, and remember that you can't fix it. In the end recovery from depression is in the hands of the depressed person - medication and drugs alone wont cure it.

Be aware - a depressed person most likely doesn't want to hear what they 'should do', or be constantly questioned as to why they don't try this or that to stop feeling depressed. Always remember it is an illness, not a bad mood that they can snap out of!

Help Yourself And The Depressed Person

When living with a depressed person you might feel any or all of the following:-

• Frustrated
• Exasperated
• Weary
• Helpless
• Useless
• Emotionally drained
• Physically exhausted
• Angry
• Invisible
• Impatient
• Hostile
• Depressed

Recognize that these are all normal responses but they are unhelpful both to you and the depressed person. Take care of your own emotional and physical health by getting enough rest, maintaining a healthy diet and removing yourself from negativity. This will go some way to keeping you strong so you can support and assist the depressed person to cope with or recover from their depression.

Staying healthy and strong will enable you to keep the love flowing, being supportive and caring about the depressed person, who at times can be truly hateful and someone you don't recognize as your partner or friend at all. I know this because I have been that person!

Be compassionate, offer support and assistance but don't try to take control of the situation. Above all be patient, never forget that depression is an illness. Don't be afraid to seek support for yourself - from a good friend, counselor or support group. Expressing your emotions in confidence will help you through this tough time. Living with a depressed person will take all the strength you have.

Back from Living with a Depressed Person to Healthy Lifestyle Success home page

How Do You Know If You Are Living With Depression? - When its more than just a bad hair day! Or maybe you've forgotten what 'normal' feels like.

Best Depression Treatment - Determining the best depression treatment often involves trying out some different approaches.

Managing Depression - Where Should You Start? Many who suffer from depression reject prescription drugs and prefer managing depression themselves.

Exercise and Depression - Symptoms of Depression May Be Significantly Reduced By Exercising.

Depression Checklist - a list of symptoms to get you thinking about your moods, physical symptoms and state of mind.

Understand the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder - Bipolar depression has "two poles" - the highs and lows. You may heard it described as "manic depression" in the past.