The importance of family support in young people with depression

The process of overcoming a psychopathology goes far beyond facing it "alone", only from the own introspection and the pursuit of an improvement plan through a self-imposed iron discipline.

This is precisely why psychological therapy and medical intervention in mental health exist, essential contexts for coping with a psychological disorder.

But outside of the psychologist's office, it is important that patients also have a support network. In this article we are going to see the case of young people with depression and the reasons why they should have family support.

• Related article: "Major Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment"

Symptoms of depression: the keys to detecting the disorder

Major depression is a mood disorder, and therefore, it is reflected above all in the degree to which the person feels more or less "animated" and with the capacity to be interested in what life has to offer.

In psychological disturbances such as the manic phase of bipolar disorder, this predisposition to become actively involved in what is happening around the person is excessive and problematic, but in major depression the opposite occurs: a state of clear Emotional stagnation marked by feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and inability to take pleasure in the experiences of the day to day.

In this sense, the main symptoms of depression are emotional fatigue, disinterest in activities that are not strictly mandatory, predisposition to social isolation, intense discomfort caused by difficulties in feeling motivation, catastrophic thoughts, and the suicidal ideation.

However, they do not have to occur all at once for us to talk about depression (although the definitive diagnosis can only come from a mental health professional).

• You may be interested in: "The 6 types of mood disorders"

Why join forces to help young people with depression?

Major depression is one of the most common psychological disorders in adolescents and adults, and also one of the most harmful and dangerous. A good part of its symptoms are directly or indirectly related to suicidal ideation, and even if the attempts to end one's life do not take place, this psychopathology produces a significant deterioration in the physical and mental health of the person.

However, detecting the presence of depression in a person is not always easy outside the realm of psychiatry and clinical psychology, and It may even happen that their symptoms are seen as something "normal" or the result of some supposed personal defects of the person who suffers from this pathology, such as For example, "mental weakness" or "lack of will power to improve" (concepts that are not very useful in psychotherapy, when not directly problematic).

This it is especially serious in the case of adolescence and the age group of young adults, in which on the one hand the cases of depression with respect to the previous stages of life are triggered, and on the other hand the symptoms may remain camouflaged by stereotypes associated with youth, such as rebellion, impulsiveness, problems due to lack of love and lack of self-esteem, etc.

In addition, in the youth stage, people usually have fewer psychological, social and material resources to cope with a psychopathology: it is easier for them to blame themselves for how they feel, they are more likely to be afraid of generating rejection if they externalize their discomfort, and they have the pressure to depend for everything on the family (especially in countries where there is a strong job insecurity in young people). On the other hand, this population group has had less time to become aware of issues related to mental health, and many young people don't even have a rough idea about what mental health really is. depression.

Given this, it is essential that the family of young people with depression are able to detect the first warning signs that reflect the existence of a psychological problem, and that beyond doing everything possible for that person to go to therapy, they offer the appropriate emotional and material support at home.

• Related article: "The 3 stages of adolescence"

Functions of family support for youth with depression

Depression is a serious psychiatric condition that requires urgent treatment. Suspecting a case of depression, family members should not wait and see how this mental disorder evolves or wait for it to resolve spontaneously.

The intervention, the sooner, the better; and it is also possible to help the patient from home by having her family and friends do certain things to help her overcome the disorder.

1. Listen empathically

Faced with a case as serious as the experience of a mental disorder, the family cannot continue to believe that they will be able to "correct" their child.

It is not a problem of education or discipline, it is a serious mental condition and what the young person needs is to feel heard and that you have an environment that is empathetic and sensitive towards what you it happens.

2. Confront social isolation

Lack of motivation can make it difficult for the adolescent to connect with her peers while the depressive episode lasts. Thus, the family can take an active role in preventing further isolation, motivating him to see his friends more often and to join interesting activities for his age.

3. Encourage exercise

Exercise does not cure depression, but it can help the sufferer feel more and more capable of doing things, face new challenges and see that you are progressing. Physical activity cannot be absent when trying to improve the mental state of a patient, always under the supervision of a mental health professional.

An hour of daily exercise can motivate the patient to be more active, to enroll in activities that give you satisfaction and help you overcome your problem, always in the company of treatment psychological.

4. Promote sleep hygiene

Sleeping poorly and at odd hours is a risk factor for depression. Insufficient sleep can also generate depressive symptoms.

Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep each night, so parents and siblings should make sure that their child and sibling goes to bed at convenient times, discouraging nighttime activities like playing video games or surfing Internet.

Are you looking for professional psychological assistance?

If you want to have therapy services for problems such as mood disorders, low self-esteem or poor regulation of emotions, get in touch with us.

On Psychoconsulting We work serving adults and adolescents, as well as couples and organizations. You can find us in Barcelona, ​​or schedule a first online therapy session by video call.