Depression affects more than 18 million adults in the United States each year, according to the Uplift Program. If you are suffering from depression, it probably isn't easy; and living with a family member who doesn't understand the disorder can be troubling. There are many resources, however, that can help shed light on depression and enable others to understand what you are going through.
Instructions
1. Take your husband to your mental health counselor or psychologist so he can sit in on a one-on-one session. This will give a professional the chance to help explain some of the components of your depression, help your husband realize that you cannot just "snap out" of it, and allow him to better understand how depression occurs.
2. Show and explain to your husband the medication you have been prescribed for your depression. Include information about any possible side effects. Most important, talk about how the medication improves your mood.
3. Bring home resources from the library or your local mental health center to share with your husband. These resources can include books, pamphlets and information sheets about what depression is, how it makes you feel and what effective treatment can do.
4. Communicate to your husband how you feel on a regular basis through the use of a feelings chart. This type of chart uses illustrated faces in order to communicate thoughts or feelings about how you feel on any given day. Place the chart in a location where it is easily accessible for you and visible to your husband.
5. Join a depression support group with your husband, or find one for him to attend. Support groups for family members living with someone who has depression can be found in your local community or mental health center. Attending a support group will show your husband that other people do go through similar depressive disorders and hopefully help him realize that you are not alone.
Tags: your husband, mental health, health center, living with, mental health center, realize that, support group
