[Betty428]

Hi. I 26 yrs old and have have severe treatment resistant depression for almost 3 years now. My family is my main support. Lately I feel my depression has been really taking a toll on my relationships with my family especially my mom.
I was wondering if anyone knew of a book or something that I could give to them to help them understand what I am going through,advice for them on what they can do to help/what not to do kinda thing. I want it to be an easy read so they will actually read it.
Also if you know of a good book for me on how to talk to your loved ones or communicate better with them about your depression. That would be helpful too.
Thanks for your time and help!

[tsha]

Have you considered asking them to talk to a therapist (not necessarily your's) so they cannot only hear about it but have the opportunity to ask questions.
About 2 years ago I started an intense outpatient treatment for mine. I allowed my siblings to talk to my therapist with me present, but I set ground rules so that the conversation was about the reatment and what they could expect to see, and not about me.

[Junerain]

This one looks good by the title and the reviews,

http://www.amazon.com/What-When-Some...7812784&sr=8-7

[VickiesPath]

Hi, Betty,

Whenever I meet someone with treatment resistant depression, I always tell them a little about myself. I was treatment resistant for years and then discovered a thyroid deficiency (took a TSH test to discover it) then a later discovery of a misdiagnosis revealed I was actually bipolar II. It took 19 years of misdiagnosis. Antidepressants never quite worked right.

As far as information on illnesses, I have always loved the "Dummies" series. They are comprehensive and entertaining at the same time. They are very involved, however. There are probably better (lighter) books for family members. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has support programs for family members of those with major mental illness. You might look them up on the web.

[(JD)]

The Feel Good Handbook by David Burns is one of the best around.
Having the T talk to them is good too, if they all will do so.

[theave]

For a pithy insight into depression, I like "I Had a Black Dog" and "Living with the Black Dog" by Matthew Johnstone.

http://www.amazon.com/Had-Black-Dog-...7898983&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Black-D...7899022&sr=1-2

They are a series of cartoons with captions which, for me, ring so many bells and it's not too much for anyone who is trying to understand depression.

[Betty428]

Thank you for your suggestions, I will look into these books.
My family and I have had family counseling. It went well but they still have the " If you think happy thoughts, you'll be fixed," it's all in your head kinda thinking. Like I am not doing enough or doing something right and choicing to be depressed.
They often will make comments like why dont you get some exercise? Why don't you get out of bed?
I wish I could do those things but right now I physically can't and I can't get them to understand that.