Once again I am featuring a guest writer on this blog. I hope you will find her article helpful. Hopefully I'll be back to writing again soon. Susan
Depression, as most of us who have either directly experienced it or have known someone who has, can have an absolutely devastating effect for all involved. It becomes even more of a problem when two or more family members suffer from depression, simply because as someone who is depressed, you want to be around as many positive influences as possible.
The sad fact of the matter is that depression is indeed genetically passed down, and it isn't at all uncommon for immediate family members to be simultaneously affected. And so, there is no need to feel alone in the event that you are in such a position. Other than seeking help from a trusted medical professional and trying your best to balance your lifestyle with healthy eating, sleeping, and exercising patterns, there are specific steps you can take to make sure that your family dynamic remains stable and nurturing.
1. Remember that dealing with depression is a team effort.
If you in addition to one or more family members is affected by depression, you must remember that family is a source of help and support, not the opposite. Sometimes it will fall upon the people without depression to act as mediators, but this role can only go so far. Acceptance, awareness, and understanding are key components in living peacefully among a family plagued by depression.
2. Spend some time outside of the family dynamic.
Since depression can often be an overwhelming experience for a single individual, the symptoms can be exacerbated if several people living together are experiencing the same thing. It is important to spend some time apart, in the company of different social groups, in order to get different perspectives. These perspectives can go a long way in helping you bring more positive attitudes to the table when you return home to spend time with the family.
3. Shared depression isn't necessarily a bad thing.
A shared experience can sometimes be a source of empathy and commiseration. From my own experience, two of my best friends have been diagnosed with depression, and it helps a lot to be among people who understand what the other is going through. Since mental disorders are so commonly isolating, it is really difficult to explain to those who aren't suffering themselves.
These steps are in no way intended to replace advice from a medical professional. If you or any of your family members or friends display symptoms of depression, it is best to seek out a psychiatrist immediately. However, these steps can perhaps serve the purpose of giving additional support and insight. Remember—you and your family are not alone in suffering.
By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Kitty Holman, who writes on the topics of . She welcomes your comments at her email Id: 
Once again I am featuring a guest writer on this blog. I hope you will find her article helpful. Hopefully I'll be back to writing again soon. Susan
Depression, as most of us who have either directly experienced it or have known someone who has, can have an absolutely devastating effect for all involved. It becomes even more of a problem when two or more family members suffer from depression, simply because as someone who is depressed, you want to be around as many positive influences as possible.
The sad fact of the matter is that depression is indeed genetically passed down, and it isn't at all uncommon for immediate family members to be simultaneously affected. And so, there is no need to feel alone in the event that you are in such a position. Other than seeking help from a trusted medical professional and trying your best to balance your lifestyle with healthy eating, sleeping, and exercising patterns, there are specific steps you can take to make sure that your family dynamic remains stable and nurturing.
1. Remember that dealing with depression is a team effort.
If you in addition to one or more family members is affected by depression, you must remember that family is a source of help and support, not the opposite. Sometimes it will fall upon the people without depression to act as mediators, but this role can only go so far. Acceptance, awareness, and understanding are key components in living peacefully among a family plagued by depression.
2. Spend some time outside of the family dynamic.
Since depression can often be an overwhelming experience for a single individual, the symptoms can be exacerbated if several people living together are experiencing the same thing. It is important to spend some time apart, in the company of different social groups, in order to get different perspectives. These perspectives can go a long way in helping you bring more positive attitudes to the table when you return home to spend time with the family.
3. Shared depression isn't necessarily a bad thing.
A shared experience can sometimes be a source of empathy and commiseration. From my own experience, two of my best friends have been diagnosed with depression, and it helps a lot to be among people who understand what the other is going through. Since mental disorders are so commonly isolating, it is really difficult to explain to those who aren't suffering themselves.
These steps are in no way intended to replace advice from a medical professional. If you or any of your family members or friends display symptoms of depression, it is best to seek out a psychiatrist immediately. However, these steps can perhaps serve the purpose of giving additional support and insight. Remember—you and your family are not alone in suffering.
By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Kitty Holman, who writes on the topics of . She welcomes your comments at her email Id: