Who does depression affect?

who does depression affect?

Depression can affect not only the person who is diagnosed with it but also those who are a part of this person’s daily life. When someone is experiencing depression, they may have a difficult time engaging in daily activities, which can affect their relationships and interactions with others. Depression can have also a ripple effect on the mental health of those around the person with depression. Family members and friends may feel helpless or frustrated in their attempts to support their loved one with depression, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even guilt.

Depression and how it affects your family
Depression can impact a person's ability to fulfill their roles and responsibilities within their family, such as parenting, providing emotional support, and contributing to household chores. This can cause strain and stress within the family dynamic, leading to feelings of frustration, resentment, and even guilt. Family members may feel helpless or frustrated in their attempts to support their loved one with depression, which can lead to further strain in the relationship. They may also feel like they are walking on eggshells or have to tiptoe around the person with depression, which can create tension and distance in the relationship.

Depression and how it affects friendships
Depression can have a significant impact on your relationships with friends. When someone is experiencing depression, they may withdraw from social interactions and have difficulty maintaining connections with their friends. Depression can also impact a person's ability to engage in social activities, which can make it difficult to participate in things like going out with friends or attending social gatherings. Friends may also struggle to understand what their friend with depression is going through, which can create tension or misunderstandings in the relationship. They may not know how to support their friend or feel helpless in their attempts to do so, which can also cause strain in the friendship.

If you know have any friends or family members that are dealing with depression, here are some suggestions to support them during this difficult time:

1. Listen without judgment: Let your friend know that you are there for them and that you are willing to listen to them without judgment. Encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts and avoid offering unsolicited advice or trying to "fix" their problems.
2. Offer practical support: Help your friend with tasks that may be difficult for them, such as running errands or doing chores. Offer to spend time with them doing things they enjoy, like going for a walk, watching a movie, or playing a game together. Sometimes, the little things can feel impossible for someone dealing with depression, and a helping hand can be a huge relief.
3. Encourage self-care: Encourage your friend to engage in self-care activities like exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. Offer to help them find resources for therapy or other forms of treatment.
4. Check-in regularly: Check in with your friend regularly to see how they are doing. Let them know that you are thinking of them and that you care about their well-being.
5. Be patient and understanding: Understand that depression can be a long-term condition, and recovery may not happen overnight. Be patient and continue to offer support and encouragement to your friend.

It is important to remember that depression is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment and support. Seeking professional help can not only benefit the person with depression but can also help to improve the quality of life for those around them. You can also join a support group yourself to learn more about how to best support your friends or family members dealing with depression.

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Author

Ariana is a student counselor studying at Sul Ross State University and working on her masters in mental health counseling. She is supervised by Aimee Rhodes, LPC-S