I never thought of depression as a 'mental illness.' I think most people living have experienced some highs and some lows ….. empty nest syndrome left me feeling very sad and it took some time to get back on top again, but I do not think it was mental illness.
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Have dealt with depression all my adult life, and then some. Mom had it, too, as did my only sib, several of my aunts/uncles/cousins/nieces, and my only nephew. I used to joke my family would have been so much better off with a Prozac salt lick in the kitchen. (It's a rancher joke.)
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This was a very informative article. I am someone who has battled major depression for 22 years I have heard more then once to just "take a walk" and "you control the way you think. Just be more positive and you won't need meds". Those words can hurt and make the negative feelings so much worse. I think this had some amazing tips on how to handle someone with depression. Support is the number one way to get someone that has depression to keep sharing and trusting in their support system.
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I have dealt with depression. I'm a Christian and one of my favorite verses are in 2 Corinthians 1; Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. I can help others who are going through the same thing.
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I was clinically depressed for years, and on various medications. When it threatened my marriage, I asked my family doctor for referral to a psychiatrist. Four weeks of assessment followed by a 12-week course of cognitive behavioural therapy gave me insights which I’d never had before. I will be on medication foe the rest of my life, but am happier, healthier and more productive than ever before.
If you are depressed, ask for professional help. There is no shame in hacing a mental illness, and there is lots of help available.
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How nice if all depressed individuals would get the help needed--- but reality is that help cannot be forced on anyone. If the depressed person rejects help or therapy, then the family members are left to cope with the "circumstances"--- This article says to keep in mind not to take personally the things the depressed person says or does. BUT small children cannot think in this "adult" way, and little children often suffer terrible consequences from depressed parents. Circumstances can be very harmful to the development of children. Many times intervention is needed for the welfare of children, and this "rescue" never happens. . ---- Please, I suggest that the professionals in the mental health field place a greater emphasis on "child victims" of depressed parents. It is indeed a serious matter. What about the children---?.
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This is a very good article. I was diagnosed in Jan. with bipolar, and actually went because my boss kind of forced me hinting that my job might not be secure if I didn't as it was affecting my work a lot. My sister tried to get me to get help earlier but I thought I could handle it on my own. I think we think that a lot, I'm ok, I can handle it, its just the blues. I'm glad that I got help. I had several other times I was just diagnosed with regular depression, but I'm pretty sure it was bipolar all along. Sometimes its hard to know the difference. I still have my ups and downs, but I'm doing better. Thanks for this article.
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As a person who has had to cope with depression most of my life, I feel that everyone should read this article. So many people know someone who has struggled with depression... a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker... and having basic information on how to help would be helpful & reassuring. Thanks for a great article.
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If you are depressed, ask for professional help. There is no shame in hacing a mental illness, and there is lots of help available. Report
BUT small children cannot think in this "adult" way, and little children often suffer terrible consequences from depressed parents. Circumstances can be very harmful to the development of children. Many times intervention is needed for the welfare of children, and this "rescue" never happens. . ---- Please, I suggest that the professionals in the mental health field place a greater emphasis on "child victims" of depressed parents. It is indeed a serious matter. What about the children---?. Report