If life is difficult and everything seems too much, there’s a chance you have untreated depression. Depression isn’t a state of mind but a mood or mental disorder. It’s how the body and mind react when subjected to stress. Reasons for depression include:
- Loss and bereavement
- Hormonal changes following pregnancy
- Physical and mental abuse
- Relationship problems
- Home and work stress
None of these are your fault. What’s important is to remember you’re not a failure, and you’re not alone. With the right treatment, you can recover.
Understanding Depression and Its Symptoms
Depression is a complex condition that’s often difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of depression are varied and easily confused with other conditions. Doctors don’t have a lab test to diagnose depression, but they use a psychological evaluation that’s supported by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Symptoms of Depression
You’re clinically depressed if you have five or more of the following symptoms for 2 weeks:
- Feeling sad. You have feelings of sadness and depression you can’t shake off.
- Changed sleeping patterns. You sleep poorly during the night or, conversely, sleep all the time.
- Loss of interest. You have little or no interest in activities you previously enjoyed.
- Loss of appetite. You don’t enjoy food and may eat very little.
- Feelings of worthlessness. You feel you contribute nothing and are of no value.
- Inability to make decisions. You find it difficult to make decisions.
- No energy. You’re listless and feel tired.
- Anxiety. You’re constantly anxious or agitated.
- Thoughts of self-harm. You have a desire to hurt yourself or commit suicide.
Incidence of Depression
Depression is a common health issue; according to Harvard Health Publishing, it affects around 18.4% of adults over the age of 18. Research indicates women are twice as likely to get depressed as men. The most common forms of depression include:
- Major depressive disorder. Overwhelming episodes of deep depression that severely affect your ability to function
- Persistent depression. A chronic form of long-term depression
- Seasonal affective disorder. A disorder related to the darker and shorter days in winter
- Postnatal depression. Intense feelings of depression following childbirth
- Psychotic depression. A form of depression where you experience hallucinations and paranoia
The Ripple Effects of Untreated Depression on Family and Relationships
Unrecognized and untreated depression affects family and other relationships. Some of these ripple effects include:
- Relationship strain. Depression in relationships causes an emotional toll on the family, leading to strain, frustration, feelings of helplessness and relationship discord.
- Depressed people withdraw. You withdraw into yourself, making it harder for the family to interact or provide emotional support.
- Communication suffers. You don’t want to talk to others, are often irritable and don’t communicate.
- Personality changes. Family and friends have difficulty adapting to a perceived change in your personality, especially if you were previously outgoing and caring.
How Symptoms of Depression Impact Daily Life
When you’re suffering from untreated depression, your life changes. Apart from feeling sad and emotionless, you lose interest in family activities, entertaining, going out and intimacy with your partner. Disturbed sleep patterns make you feel constantly tired, and given the chance, you may not even get out of bed. It’s not unusual to let important things slip, such as keeping the home tidy, paying bills and getting chores done. You have difficulty completing tasks, and work performance suffers.
Why Treatment Is Essential for Everyone Involved
Untreated depression is debilitating and long-lasting. While you may eventually come out of depression, your relationships, self-confidence and work life may have suffered immeasurable harm. You need help, as does the family.
Treatment for Depression
Treatment helps you understand your depression. Counseling therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, help discover the reasons for your depression and help you work through the internal issues related to depression. You’ll also understand the effects that external influences, such as relationship problems, physical and verbal abuse and work stress, have on your depression. Therapy teaches you techniques and skills to deal with these issues and gives you the courage to make necessary changes. Antidepressant medications help improve your mood and decrease the distressing effects of depression.
Treatment for the Family
Individual and group therapy help your family or partner learn about depression and how it affects your interaction with them. Therapy gives them coping skills to better support and understand you. Group therapy provides them an opportunity to share with others in similar situations and, if necessary, vent in a safe place.
Supporting a Loved One With Depression
It’s important to show you care for your loved one with depression. Avoid blaming them for their behavior. Understand that they’re ill and need help. Here are some ways to practically support your depressed loved ones:
- Learn about depression. Read helpful articles on depression written by reputable sources. Speak to a therapist to gain a better insight into the condition.
- Talk to your loved one. Express your concern. Tell them you love them and are standing with them. Explain that depression is an illness, and it’s not their fault they’re depressed. Tell them depression is treatable.
- Be understanding. Always treat them with respect and don’t respond negatively to anger, irritable behavior or provocation. If necessary, withdraw and take some time out. The way you treat someone with depression makes a big difference in terms of recovery and self-esteem.
- Encourage them to get help. Talk to them about getting help. Emphasize that it’s not an admission of weakness to seek professional therapy. Be prepared to make appointments and accompany them to the therapist.
Getting Help for Depression
The first step toward recovery is always the most difficult. The counselors at the Mental Health Hotline understand this. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, we can put you in touch with local professionals who can provide the help you need. Reach out to us now — we’re available 24-7.
