[abteacher]

I struggle with getting my family to understand the severity of depression and what exactly it is. I have spoken to a few that have similar experiences. Does family support even exist? If so, how?

Hi there,

Family support definitely DOES exist, but it requires effort from both the person and their family. (The person must work to educate the family on the illness, and the family must work to understand the illness).

Personally, it was easy for me to receive family support because my family has a history of mental illness, so we can all relate.

What helped my family to understand my situation was to include them in a couple of my meetings with my pdoc, so the pdoc could explain what I was going through and why it was important for me to receive support. I think people are more likely to listen if they're talked to by a professional, so including a doctor in the explaining DEFINITELY helps.

Depression is a difficult illness for people to understand, especially those who haven't personally struggled with it. Probably part of this is due to the stigma (ie, depression = laziness). So be sure to explain that these common opinions of depression are NOT true, it's usually a chemical imbalance, and often requires medication to treat. It's a serious illness, just like anything physical.

And also remember that it might take time for your family to understand how difficult depression is. Patience is key. I wish you the best of luck in trying to obtain family support.

[Mike_J]

My faimly (family of origin that is) has basicly given up on me. Guess they don't believe I'm worth the effort it would take to have me in their lives. I can forgive them for that, but my daughter is a far different story. They don't have to have me in their lives to have her in their lives, she is briliant ray of sunshine that lights up any roon she is in with love and joy. I'm not angry with them for not including them in their lives, I pity them for what they are missing out on.

[anjelmarie]

Wish I could help. But I am in same boat. I don't know what it is with family. But I have decided to try not to let them make me miserable. Sometimes friends or even online friends are more helpful more supportive than family. Read up on depression and support and also on family. I'm kind of estranged from mine trying to not let it depress me more. You should try not to let them bring you down either. I'm sorry about your daughter. But you can't change people. If they are determined to be distant you have to somehow explain to your daughter that they live far away or something I don't really know. But just spend extra time with her, let her make friends and you make friends. Don't rely on your family right now. Every now and then you can send a note but the ball is in their court.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publi...te-index.shtml