A depressive disorder
is a "whole-body" illness, involving
your entire body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way
you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and
the way you think about things. A depressive disorder is
not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of
personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or
wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely
"pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment,
symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate
treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from
depression.
Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as do
many other illnesses. Some types of depression run in
families, indication that a biological vulnerability can
be inherited.
And even though depression may occur generation after
generation in some families, it can also occur in people
who have no family history of depression. According to
researchers, certain depressive disorders are often
associated with having too little or too much of certain
neurochemicals.
Psychological makeup also plays a role in vulnerability to
depression. People who have low self-esteem, who consistently
view themselves and the world with pessimism, or who are
readily overwhelmed by stress are prone to depression.
Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms
that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and
enjoy once pleasurable activities. These disabling episodes
of depression can occur once, twice, or several times in a
lifetime.
Family and friends are important when it comes to dealing
with depression. The most important thing anyone can do for
the depressed person is to help him or her get appropriate
diagnosis and treatment. This may involve encouraging the
individual to stay with treatment until symptoms begin to
abate (several weeks), or to seek different treatment if no
improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require making an
appointment and accompanying the depressed person to the
doctor. It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed
person is taking medication.
Another important thing is to offer the depressed person
emotional support. This involves understanding, patience,
affection, and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in
conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings
expressed, but point out realities and offer hope. Do not
ignore remarks about suicide. Always report them to the
depressed person’s therapist.
Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies,
and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is
refused. Encourage participation in activities that once gave
pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious or other activities.
Don’t push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon.
The depressed person needs diversion and company, but too many
demands can increase feelings of failure.
Do not accuse the depressed person of faking illness or of
laziness, or expect him or her "to snap out of it." Eventually,
with treatment, most depressed people do get better. Keep that
in mind, and keep reassuring the depressed person that, with time
and help, he or she will feel better.
