My understanding is that there are two types of depression -- situational, caused by conditions in our lives, and others that involve brain chemical imbalance.

I was vaguely depressed most of my life. Meditation, affirmations, street drugs, and alcohol helped -- and I am not recommending the last two as these had separate bad consequences.

When outside conditions spun out of control, the new generation of anti-depressants and serotonin regulating meds had come into being. It took months to find the one that works for me.

What a difference it has made in establishing a baseline of emotional stability for me. It also helps with fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.

Long story short, soak up all the love and understanding your relatives offer. If therapy is available, use it. That hopefully will open the door to medication therapy, if that is found to be warranted.

Good luck, and please keep sharing.