When Someone You Love Suffers From Depression Or Mental Illness

Does someone you love struggle with depression or mental illness? As much as you want to fix it, you won't be able to. But it is important that you take care of yourself - both physically and spiritually - during this difficult time.

A practical guide to helping your loved one cope with depression while protecting your own mental health. Many books have been written for those suffering from depression. But what if you’re suffering because someone you love is depressed? Research shows that if you are close to a depressed person, you are at a much higher risk of developing problems yourself, including anxiety, phobias, and even a kind of contagious depression. In this authoritative and compassionate book, psychologists Laura Epstein Rosen and Cavier Francisco Amador explain the mechanisms of depression that can cause communication breakdown, increase hostility, and ultimately destroy relationships. Through compelling real-life stories and step-by-step advice, the authors teach concrete methods that you and your loved one can use to protect yourselves and your relationship from depression’s impact. Drawing on their own innovative research, the authors give sensitive guidance about how to recognize your needs, how to provide the best kind of support, and how to encourage the depressed person to seek treatment. Whether you are the partner, parent, friend, or child of a depressed person, you’ll find this book and invaluable companion in you journey back to health.

This indispensable book about love and mental health addresses the short-term, daily problems of living with a person with mental illness, as well as long-term planning and care. Of special note are the forty-three “Quick Reference Guides” about such topics as: responding to hallucinations, delusions, violence and anger; helping your loved one comply with treatment plans and medication; deciding if the person should live at home or in a facility; choosing a doctor and dealing with mental health professionals; handling the holidays and family activities; managing stress; helping siblings and adult children with their special concerns. “Ms. Woolis produced a handbook which is both practical and accessible, eminently useful for all of us who have a family member with a serious mental illness.” –E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., author of Surviving Schizophrenia “Rebecca Woolis presents easy-to-follow practical guidelines for coping with the multitude of problems that regularly confront families. In minutes the reader can find helpful suggestions for dealing with any problem that might arise.” –Christopher S. Amenson, Ph.D., Director, Pacific Clinics East

“This compassionate, helpful book will bring hope and comfort to the loved ones of those who struggle to overcome the most common of mental illnesses.”—Rosalynn Carter When someone you love is depressed . . . . . . you feel lost, afraid, confused. . . . you long for the person who was. . . . you don’t recognize who he or she has become. . . . you feel shut out. . . . you feel angry and frustrated. . . . you feel drained. . . . you are desperate for a way to connect. . . . you feel guilty and alone. . . . you will do anything to help. “What motivates me now is to share with you what I've learned about how to cope when someone you love is depressed. What I have discovered from years of training and from having counseled hundreds of families who have shared their sorrows and their joys is that there are ways you can help someone you love who is depressed. And in that process, you will grow closer.”—from What to Do When Someone You Love is Depressed

This work describes the causes, symptoms and treatment of depression and goes into detail about the difficulties of caring for someone who is depressed. It explores how depression affects relationships and the emotions of carers.

Discusses what depression is and how it can be recognized in family members and friends and examines some of the methods for treatment.

A clinical psychologist and expert on depression updates the book that has helped thousands with its combination of professional advice and comfort There are few circumstances in life as hard and at the same time as important as being a friend to a person who is suffering from depression. What to Do When Someone You Love Is Depressed offers guidance to the friends and family of a depressed person on how to keep one's own spirits up and at the same time do what is best to help a loved one get through a difficult time. Among the many subjects addressed are • the warning signs of serious illness • how to maintain intimacy and communication • the most successful forms of treatment • what to do when someone threatens suicide This updated edition addresses readers' questions and provides new and expanded information on • how to choose the right psychiatrist • the role and limits of medication • resistant depression • the link between depression and chronic illness • specific challenging situations and advice on handling them