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You may not completely cure a family member who is depressed, but you can be the light of their darkness, and you both know it. Be the shoulder to lean on, and you may just save them.
When the going gets tough, you should look to your family members for support. Depression isn’t to be taken lightly. If you don’t want to seek treatment, then at least seek comfort.
It is said that depression is like “living in a body that fights to survive, with a mind that tries to die.” And there is no exaggeration in that. No matter the age, race, gender, or social status in life, once depression hits you, you’ll find yourself struggling to be free from a slump.
Depression is a serious medical illness that negatively affects your feelings, thoughts, and actions. It is a major disorder that has become way too common in today’s day and age. Depressed people tend to have feelings of sadness, grief, anxiety, and loss of interest in different activities.
The illness is treatable, and it helps if you have your family members to count on. Here are reasons why:
1. They are your family.
You were born to live and endure life together. It helps to remember that even if you’re shy or you assume, they’d treat you indifferently after saying you are depressed, you still have to do it. Why? There’s no harm in trying.
You are not being encouraged to open up right away. Of course, you have to take your time and see when is the right time to pour out your feelings. It is better to let someone know so you can get help, or at least have someone to rant to.
However, not everyone has the same “supportive,” and “kind” family. If you really can’t be comfortable sharing your depression story with your friend, have a reliable friend, or a trusty old workmate who you think would be of help.
2. They can help you get help.
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Literally. Since you are living (for the most part) with your family members, then they can encourage you to seek treatment. They can even accompany you to an appointment with different healthcare specialists. While it may seem a bit annoying (and forgive them for trying because they only want what’s best for you), they will not give up, especially as they see you everyday.
3. They make you smile.
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Admit it. Even if your little brother is annoying as hell, you still laugh and smile if you see him doing weird things at home. That counts. Every bit of happiness counts, because it battles your depression. If you are alone, you won’t get to see them being all silly. Rely on these small, and beautiful things. It wouldn’t cure your depression, but it will be the light ofa dark day.
4. They will be the reminder that it too shall pass.
Sometimes, even family members don’t know the right words to say or the proper actions to act upon to a depressed person. They don’t understand you fully, yes. But they listen to you. They are the reminder that your depression will get better someday. They might not be depressed, but they’ve already faced many noteworthy challenges that might give you strength.