In an article in the Manchester Guardian recently, five people spoke out about what depression is like for them. Too often what depression is is often dismissed by others who have only felt blue for a day or have never felt down (believe it or not there are some people who never feel down). The article hoped to increase people’s understanding of what depression is, how it feels, and how it can destroy a person’s day to day life.
While this is good, and while the stigma about depression is beginning to lessen, the misunderstanding and stigma toward those living with a depressed loved one continues. There is little information out there about what really happens to a person who lives with someone with depression. Few people understand what it does to a relationship, how roles are switched or about the expectations the depressed person and others put on this caregiver.
Yes, let’s eliminate the stigma toward depression. Let’s make sure we can talk about it openly and honestly and do whatever we can do to help people understand what it is to be depressed. By the same token, let’s do the same for those unsung heroes who live and/or care for those who are depressed. They deserve no less.
This blog post was written by Bernadette Stankard, co-author of the book, Dancing in the Dark – How to Take Care of Yourself When Someone You Love is Depressed.
