How Parents And Children Can Conquer Depression As A Family

Major depression is acknowledged as one of the most common diagnoses in the United States today. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, more than 14 million individuals are diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Beyond the population directly experiencing depression, however, there is an even greater number of people who are affected by depression. The parents, spouses, children, and friends of people with depression often times suffer along with them.

What Depression is like

Everyone can experience the “blues” at one point or another, and it is also normal to have sad moments in life. Depression is different from these occurrences; it is a pervasive and consuming feeling of despair and emptiness from which there may seems to be no escape.

Several common signs can manifest when people are clinically depressed. Apart from feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, individuals with depression usually lose interest in activities they used to find enjoyable. This can include hobbies, social gatherings, sex, work, etc.

It can be common for people with depression to experience changes in appetite, to gain or lose weight significantly, and to experience insomnia (inability to sleep) or to oversleep (hypersomnia). People with depression are often easily angered and irritated, and many will complain of feeling sluggish and tired most of the time. This lack of energy can show itself in the way a depressed person often finds it difficult to complete daily chores.

Individuals with depression often have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. On top of this, they may frequently experience unexplained aches and pains such as headaches, back pain, muscle pain, and stomach ache. They are often swamped with guilt and self-defeating thoughts and beliefs.

What Can Be Done

It can be painful for family and friends to witness these symptoms when a loved one is experiencing depression. An honest assessment of this situation may help them to see that they can only do so much to help, depression is often times best managed through the help of a professional. The good news is people with depression can recover and regain a positive, hopeful outlook in life.

To recover from depression, most feel the need to begin their recovery by understanding what is causing their depression. Once they are able to confront this, they can either take steps to address it or learn to accept it. No matter how well-meaning friends and family are, this kind of evaluation can best be done by a professional therapist.

Taking the First Step

Depression is a treatable condition. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, don’t wait to receive the help that you and your family so rightfully deserve. With the help of a licensed, independently contracted therapist, depression can be conquered and life can be infinitely worth living once again. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC today and schedule your first appointment.

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