Tips From Lexy: Helping A Loved One With Depression

Someone who is very close to me suffers from severe depression caused by a traumatic brain injury. After someone has a T.B.I. (traumatic brain injury), one of the symptoms they suffer from is depression. If you have never knew anyone with clinical depression or have never experienced yourself, then it can be hard for you to understand or relate to this topic. But if you are one of those who does know someone or suffers yourself... You are NOT alone. A few years ago when I was in college, I thought that I was suffering from a little depression. I withdrew myself from others, and things that I once enjoyed were no longer pleasurable to me. I did not realize that I was going through normal behaviors that would soon pass. It was not until my own flesh and blood suffered a nasty fall on to his head and is going through the real deal. Nothing I do seems to work for him. I cant get him to leave the house, I cant try and find something that he may find enjoyment out of, I can't do anything right it seems. Here are some things, according to helpguide.org, that one needs to know about depression before attempting to help someone suffering.

• Depression is a serious condition. Don’t underestimate the seriousness of depression. Depression drains a person’s energy, optimism, and motivation. Your depressed loved one can’t just “snap out of it” by sheer force of will.
• The symptoms of depression aren’t personal. Depression makes it difficult for a person to connect on a deep emotional level with anyone, even the people he or she loves most. In addition, depressed people often say hurtful things and lash out in anger. Remember that this is the depression talking, not your loved one, so try not to take it personally.
• Hiding the problem won’t make it go away. Don’t be an enabler. It doesn’t help anyone involved if you are making excuses, covering up the problem, or lying for a friend or family member who is depressed. In fact, this may keep the depressed person from seeking treatment.
• You can’t “fix” someone else’s depression. Don’t try to rescue your loved one from depression. It’s not up to you to fix the problem, nor can you. You’re not to blame for your loved one’s depression or responsible for his or her happiness (or lack thereof). Ultimately, recovery is in the hands of the depressed person.

I do not have all the answers. I can only hope that this passes and my loved one can find happiness again. Just know that I love you and I am always here.