The general well-being of a family has a significant influence on each family member. When one person in a family is experiencing depression, everyone else in the family may experience difficult emotions as well. Social and environmental influences can affect psychological and emotional health. Significant transitions and major life events, such as the death of a loved one, unemployment, or illness, may also contribute to health issues that affect both the body and mind. This includes depression. Although highly treatable, depression requires careful evaluation and diagnosis by a professional health care provider.

How to Recognize Symptoms of Depression

Family members may be first to spot the signs and symptoms of depression. It can be difficult to see someone you love lose interest in things they used to enjoy such as hobbies, friendships, social activities etc. Those experiencing depression may experience: 

• Irritability
• Sadness
• Mood changes
• Physical aches and pains
• Appetite changes
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

There can also be a tendency to mask or numb intense feelings by abusing drugs or drinking too much alcohol. 

While these external warning signs can let you know that someone in the family needs help, it’s also important to recognize any uncomfortable emotions you and the rest of the household may feel. It’s understandable to be frustrated and angry when you see someone you love struggling. It can be difficult to cope with these feelings and you may be left wondering how you can be supportive while managing your own emotions.

You may notice that your family member is pulling back from their usual activities, the family may even pull away as well and function without the person. Regardless of the reason for depression, the family may feel a strong sense of guilt and feel anxious about whether the person can overcome their symptoms.

Can Counseling Help?

It can be important to show love, support, understanding, and care to a loved one who is experiencing symptoms of depression. Depression is a chronic and pervasive medical condition, you cannot simply “will” yourself to feel better. When a negative pattern of thinking starts to rule your relative’s life, it may be time to seek professional help with a qualified therapist.

While therapy has been shown to be helpful in treating remission, not everyone is open to the idea initially. There can be a variety of reasons for a person to be apprehensive about therapy, such as: 

• Worry that depression may not be treatable
• Feelings of hopelessness or that you are “beyond help”
• Loss of energy, it’s hard to go to treatment if you don’t have the energy
• Not knowing where to start

Encouraging your family member to seek treatment can be an essential step toward recovery. Without treatment, depression can worsen into other illnesses. Depression is a medical condition that can be treated effectively by a qualified professional. Depression can be incredibly isolating, but you and your family are not alone.

The Family That Seeks Treatment Together

There can be a greater chance of recovery when depression is treated utilizing the connection that exists within the family, with the aim of improving the overall functioning of the entire family. When a family functions better, the same can be true of all its members.

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of depression, seek help from Carolina Counseling Services in Pittsboro, NC. CCS contracts with exceptional licensed therapists with years of experience and training in treating depression. 

Not only are therapists available, CCS also contracts with caring licensed psychiatric professionals. Combining therapy and medication management can be extremely effective in treating depression. Call now to schedule an appointment. 

Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), Tricare, Medicaid and many more. Online sessions are also available making getting the quality treatment you deserve easier than ever before!

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.