Depression is the most common psychological disorder in our society Statistical data indicate that around 10% of the general population is or will become clinically depressed throughout their lives.
However, despite being such a common problem, it is usually difficult for a person to detect these symptoms and therefore it can take a long time to seek help. This is because depression is a disorder that begins very little by little, and those who suffer from it tend to underestimate this symptomatology at first, believing that it is a temporary “bad streak” and that they will be able to get out of the situation on their own. own means.
But depression is much more than all this; actually it is about an emotional disorder that involves significant changes in the way we feel, think and act and contrary to what many people think, it has nothing to do with being more or less emotionally strong.
When someone is depressed, their way of thinking begins to change, He begins to think badly about himself and blames himself for everything that happens around him
Self-esteem is significantly affected, and that is why those who experience depression believe that others do not appreciate them, that the world is a hostile place and that the future is uncertain and hopeless.
The main symptoms in a person suffering from depression are these:
Furthermore, depression is a devastating problem for the couple or family, since Usually people in the immediate environment do not know how to help, which often causes great frustration, guilt, and feelings of anger. This in turn makes the problem even worse, reinforcing the idea that others reject you and that you are to blame for the suffering of your loved ones.
How to help a depressed family member?
Let’s look at several tips on how to provide support in these cases.
1. Don’t blame yourself
The first thing is to understand that family support is very important to overcome depression but that it is the person themselves who has to take responsibility for getting out of this situation. That is, you are not to blame for your partner or family member not getting ahead, you are a help, but ultimately, the job of getting out of the hole is yours alone.
2. Don’t take it personally
Although it is complicated, try not to take their pessimism, irritability, apathy and sadness personally since they are not under their voluntary control.
3. Reward improvements
Every time you smile, take the initiative to do something, be more affectionate, participate in conversations, feel like going out, etc. Express your pleasure verbally and non-verbally.
4. Don’t talk about problems all the time
The depressed person tends to be very worried about all the problems around them. Although at first it seems to us that it is good for him to let off steam, the truth is that having problems as the only object of conversation makes the person become more and more obsessed and focus only on the negative side of your life.
If she brings up this type of conversation, listen to her without judging her or reproaching her, and change the conversation to another topic that you know she likes.
5. Don’t overprotect
Make him understand that you are there no matter what, but without asking excessively or being continually aware of their behavior Also try not to give too much importance to behaviors related to irritability or sadness.
6. Don’t assume their responsibilities
Do not carry out tasks that are his or her responsibility to do, as this may inadvertently provide a benefit that makes the person adjust to this situation.
7. The importance of leisure activities
As we have seen, the depressed person loses interest in the activities they previously liked to do, including the ability to enjoy them. A good help is encourage her to gradually recover those leisure activities starting with those that cost you the least to do and those that in the past you found most rewarding.
8. Ask for professional help
It is important that this person be placed in the hands of a professional as soon as possible to be able to begin working on all those issues that are reinforcing the depressive disorder.
Once the treatment begins, the psychologist will begin to propose weekly goals that you as a family member can help them meet to improve their mood little by little.
However, you must assume that Recovery is a long road in which there are usually ups and downs and that it is important to encourage the person not to give up and to finish the treatment.
In our psychology center in Seville we have extensive experience in treating people with these types of problems. Contact us without obligation and we will guide you to find the most appropriate way to help your partner or family member.
