Discussing Depression with Friends & Family

Discussing depression is important. It is a medical condition that extends far beyond sadness. Social isolation, loss of self-esteem, feelings of hopeless, failure, and helplessness are also symptoms of depression. Trying to handle it all alone may help to shield one from the stigma of depression, but it continues to feed into the disease process. The following is a guide on how to help yourself OR how to help others.

Choose the right person to tell about your depression

Select a safe and comfortable space for your discussion.

Understand the Medical/Biological/Genetic basis of depression

Depression affects more than 15 million individuals in the US alone. Remember: you are not alone!It is an inheritable, genetically-based medical disease predisposing the individual to a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Depression is considered a medical disease of the brain just like:

Multiple Sclerosis

Parkinson’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease

Huntington’s disease

ALS

Therefore, treated medically! Don’t sugarcoat your symptoms, and how it affects your life when you talk with your physician.

Ask your friends and family if they have questions or comments.

Pay attention to their non-verbal cues. Body language, pauses in speech, and more can help you judge whether someone feels concerned, scared, or confused about your depression.

Be open about treatment.

Explain your current treatment plan as discussed with your physicians
Tell friends and family how they can help you on your journey to brain health & wellness.
Be supportive of loved ones who you think might benefit from medical treatment.
Ask them to keep in touch via e-mail, a text, FaceTime, or a phone call.

The team at Dr. Sambunaris & Associates, along with the Institute for Advanced Medical Research has been diagnosing, treating and researching psychiatric and neurologic illnesses such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, Binge Eating Disorder, and fibromyalgia for over 18 years in the Atlanta metro area. To learn more about our clinical research programs and the Program in Advanced Psychiatry call 770-817-9200.

Author

Angelo Sambunaris, M.D.

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