Breaking the Vicious Cycle
of Depression

When you are experiencing symptoms of depression, your family may be your principal source of strength and support. Yet, not knowing how best they can support and help you, a serious episode of depression can leave your family feeling hopeless, helpless or even distraught as well.

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Depression can upset your family life in so many ways. It can disrupt your regular routines and social activities, taking you away from the roles you play in your family. If you or your spouse is experiencing depression, it may take a toll on the development your children – emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

Are You (or Your Spouse) Showing the Signs?

It can be difficult to know that you are experiencing depression when you are in the midst of its symptoms. Many of those diagnosed with depression state that they were unaware that they were depressed. Symptoms can include; feeling that life is excessively difficult, having trouble sleeping or oversleeping and/or having appetite disturbances. If these feelings continue for weeks or months on end and come with other distressing emotions and thoughts such as; sadness, hopelessness, helplessness and guilt, it may be best to seek an assessment from a professional.

The Benefits of Treatment

Depression may not simply dissipate without taking action. Depression is a treatable condition, though you may need to put in a great deal of effort to find remission. Recovery from depression may not only benefit you, but your family as well. Your children may not be able to comprehend what you or your spouse are experiencing and may have the idea that their parent is uninterested when that could not be farther from the truth. The depressive symptoms of a parent may contribute to a child’s unhealthy feelings or view of self as these views are often born out of misunderstanding of what you are truly experiencing. Depression has the potential to become a vicious cycle, one that you do not have to engage in.