Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a consistently depressed mood, a loss of interest in activities, and causes significant impairment in daily life. Depression is quite common; it is estimated that more than 3 million people struggle with depression in the United States. When a person struggles with depression, they may experience persistent feelings of sadness, changes in sleep and energy levels, low self-esteem, and lack of concentration. It is not uncommon for a person with depression to isolate themselves. Depression not only impacts the person struggling but impacts their relationships with friends, family, and loved ones.
At Northpoint Nebraska, we provide depression treatment to help our patients manage their depression and restore relationships that may have been negatively impacted. Contact us at 888.351.3834 to learn how we can help.
How Depression Impacts Relationships
All relationships take effort to maintain and build trust with each other. It is common for relationships to have ups and downs and face challenges. When someone in a relationship has depression, whether it is romantic or platonic, it can heighten challenges, mistrust, and miscommunication. One of the effects of depression on relationships is that it can lead to new problems and insecurities that make resolution and relationship maintenance difficult. This is because depression increases feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loneliness. A person struggling with depression is likely to withdraw from relationships and isolate themselves.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Apathy
- Guilt
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Mood swings
- Excessive sleep
- Insomnia
- Changes in appetite
- Lack of concentration
- hopelessness
Since depression is an ongoing mental health condition, it is more than just one bad day or fight. People with depression may experience mood swings or a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. How depression impacts relationships is that it can be frustrating or confusing for the other person. In addition, a person in a relationship with someone who has depression may neglect their own physical or mental health while trying to help.
If someone you love is experiencing depression, being there for them is critical. Encouraging and supporting your loved one through treatment and recovery can make a positive impact. Depression treatment is often effective for helping patients heal and learn healthy ways to manage their depression and symptoms.
How Depression Impacts Family
When a person is struggling with addiction, it is common for their family members to experience guilt. Family members in a caregiver role may feel like they should be able to ‘fix’ their loved one’s problems. However, depression is a mental illness that requires professional treatment and counseling. Experiencing burnout and exhaustion is also how depression impacts family members. A family member may feel powerless that they cannot help their loved one. Depression is different for each individual, and treatment is an ongoing process of healing.
Depression treatment understands the effects of depression on relationships. Treatment often involves a combination of medication and talk therapy, such as one-on-one counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or dialectical behavior therapy. At Northpoint Nebraska, we take a holistic approach to treating mental health disorders, where we come at the disorder from all sides. Depression affects everyone from all walks of life and has significant impacts on their family and loved ones as well.
Find Effective Depression Treatment at Northpoint Nebraska
Northpoint Nebraska provides specialized programs and therapies to help our patients recover from mental health disorders. Our goal is to help our patients heal and learn how to live their life to the fullest. When a person has depression, it impacts their relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, our mental health treatment program can help. Contact Northpoint Nebraska today at 888.351.3834 to learn more.