I only last night talked with an old work colleague who's husband had fallen into a deep depression after his mother died. It had become so bad that they had separated at his request. This was very difficult on their two children and on their relationship in general because, altough he knew that the depression he was experiencing had been triggered by his mother's death, it was actually an illness he had been suffering for a long time at a lower grade and the death of his mother only brought it to the forefront and emphasized the necessity to get treatment. My friend was attending support classes and learning about depression when her husband suddenly and unexpectedly ended his life. Needless to say, this has devastated their family.

Depression is not something you can simply "get over" nor is it simply sadness or a passing mood. It is a bonafide medical illness requiring treatment and family support and understanding. Like any other serious illness, yes, it is hard on the family of the sufferer. However, it is treatable. What makes it hard are two things: you can't see it and it effects behavior. But family members can learn how to react to it and help themselves and the person who has depression.