How to Live With a Person With Depression

Depression is a clinically diagnosable disease. It involves a person meeting at least six of nine symptoms as listed in the DSM-IV TR, a manual used by mental health professionals. These symptoms often create a perpetually negative mood in a person with a significant risk of suicide. Despite this outlook, depression is treatable and it is possible to live with a depressed person and actually help him get out of it.

Things You'll Need

• Access to a Gym

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Instructions

• 1

  Understand that depression is a clinical condition and that it isn't your fault or the person's. No one is to blame for the condition, although actions can be taken to help alleviate the symptoms. With this understanding you can better help the person as well as your living situation. Don't take it personal if he doesn't want to be helped at first.

• 2

  Discuss with the depressed person what boundaries are acceptable and abide by them. Depressed people often want time alone and space alone, yet they are also at risk for suicide. About 10 to 15 percent of diagnosed patients complete suicide, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Let the depressed patient know you will be checking in from time to time and encourage him to call should suicidal thoughts occur.

• 3

  Try to encourage interest in going for walks outdoors or spending time in the sun. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for helping create positive moods, often is low in depressed patients. The sun actually stimulates Serotonin production. Therefore, outside activities in the sun can stimulate a positive mood.

• 4

  Keep track of medications taken and the amount taken. You must work with the depressed patient to help you do this. If he is resistant, tell him it can help see what medications work and which ones do not or if dosages need to be increased through a doctor's prescription.

• 5

  Encourage activities that used to be interesting for the depressed person. If he doesn't want to participate in the activities, he might be willing to do so if it can directly benefit someone else. For example, if the depressed person used to like going to the gym, tell him you need his help to get you back into shape. Exercise also encourages goal completion and confidence building.

• 6

  Give yourself space and time from the depressed person as well. Too much time with someone in a negative mood can be draining. You'll need to keep yourself happy and balanced so that you can better endure the tougher times with the depressed person.