Depression is a serious problem in society. It is the most common of all metal health problems, yet it is one that is not talked about nearly as often as it should be. Statistics tell us one in five people will suffer from depression at some stage in their lives. You or your spouse or someone in your family could be a likely candidate for depression. So what can you do if your spouse or someone in your family suffers from depression?
Firstly, you and your spouse or the person who has depression need to realize that depression in an illness just as asthma or cancer or measles is illnesses. Just like any other illness depression needs to be treated, not simply ignored. That often means seeking professional help. However there are a few things you can do if your spouse is suffering from depression.
Show support for your spouse or the depressed person. Let them know you are supporting them and wanting to help. All of us need people to talk to, people who will really listen to us. So listen to your spouse.
Be prepared to talk about the issue. Depression is not something that can be dealt with but telling the person to ‘buck up and get over it.’ The depressed person needs to feel they are loved and that someone cares about them, and not feel you are judging them.
People suffering from depression will only open up if they are given a chance to. Asking questions that enquire a simple yes or no answer till not elicit much response. Ask them instead to tell you about what they are feeling or thinking.
At the same time, the depressed person needs confidence to know that what they say will remain between you and be kept confidential and that anything they tell you is not then going to be blabbed about to others in the family or your circle of friends.
More about this topic tomorrow.
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