" Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder. It isn't the same as depression caused by a loss, such as the death of a loved one, or a medical condition."
To put it simply, clinical depression does not have a root cause, but rather emerges from a chemical imbalance inside the body. It is not brought on by a loss of a loved one, or a traumatic event in one's life, but rather emerges from the body for no reason other than mishaps in the body's chemical structure. Simply, the low levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are what cause depression to be present in one's body- and antidepressants work by increasing these levels. Clinical depression is extremely difficult to understand by those who do not suffer from it. But, if you do happen to have a loved one who does suffer from it, there are a few things I advise you to always remember.
Be patient. Depression will come and go, often when you least expect it. Depression can affect your loved one at any given moment - any time of any given day. Try to picture depression as a rain cloud that is always in the picture, it just decides to make it's defining appearance from time to time. Unfortunately it cannot be predicted when it will come, and when it will go away. Just know it will fade. Give it time, and do not get frustrated.
Step back for a moment. Sometimes, your loved one will feel overwhelmed by your efforts to comfort and be there for them. They may feel like you are drowning them, and it may make them feel guilty for feeling this way. Please pay attention to how they are feeling, and recognize when they just need to be left alone.
Try to understand. Depression is a mental illness; someone suffering from depression truly has no control over what is happening to their body. Depression is not 'made up' for attention- please, please never think of it this way.
Recognize triggers. Depression can come at any time, at home or in public circumstances. If you notice your loved one has abrupt change in behavior, recognize the fact that they could be feeling depressed, and need to be removed from the situation that is triggering them. Be understanding, and know how frustrating it is for them as well.
Do not be a healer. Advising them to cheer up or to smile, or to "just be happy" will only make things worse. Recognize it is almost impossible to just "snap out it", as they really have no control of their emotions. You simply cannot tell yourself to stop being sad. I wish it was that easy, but it does not work that way.
Provide comfort. Hold them if they are comfortable with it. Do not underestimate the power of a hug, and making them feel loved. Depression makes you feel empty, abandoned, and completely powerless, and sometimes you just need to be reminded of how loved you truly are.
Be there when needed. Maybe they do need someone to talk to, and if you find them opening up to about how they are feeling, take advantage of this opportunity. Depression causes you to shut others out and completely disengage yourself from the world. If you notice your loved one reaching out, please just be there for them. Sometimes a good listener is all they really need.
Do not take their angry outbursts personally. Depression causes severe mood swings, and chances are they will snap at you from time to time. Please do not take personal offense to this, as their depression is clouding their mindset and their behavior. Chances are they do not mean any of the hurtful words they say, because they are just frustrated with themselves for feeling the way they do.
Remember it does get better. Antidepressants and counseling work wonders for people who suffer from clinical depression all over the world. If your loved one has not reached out for professional help, I advise more than anything that they do so.
Never stop loving them. Dealing with someone with depression is frustrating, heart breaking, mentally and physically exhausting, and can even lead you to be depressed yourself. But remember, you love this person for infinite reasons, and their depression does not define who they are. Do not let them define themselves by their depression either.
Having a loved one with clinical depression is an extremely confusing, frustrating part of life, that unfortunately many, many people have to deal with. Continue to support your loved one who is suffering; never stop providing them the love that they need and deserve. Please take this advice to heart.
