Why Your Family & Friends Are Suggesting Depression Therapy

You may think it is easy to hide your depression from the ones who love you. Just because you do not have a long face or cry all the time does not mean that people cannot tell something is wrong.  fact,  In fact, there could be a host of other signs of depression you show that your friends and family cannot ignore.

Depression can create significant changes in a person's behavior. Maybe you have gone out to dinner with your friends and family, and something seems off. You may not be eating much or ordering too much food to mask your feelings.

Perhaps your friends ask you to hang out with them but you frequently refuse more often than accept these offers. All of the things that used to make you smile are no longer working for you. Your friends and family are always looking out for you and know more than anyone if you are emotionally struggling.

Ask why your friends and family are suggesting depression therapy. Perhaps you will see for yourself how important it is for your emotional wellbeing to speak to someone.

Changes in Sleep

It is possible your roommates or your parents have seen you wake up in the middle of the night watching TV or gaming into the wee hours. Perhaps you never really rest at all. Not getting enough sleep can make your depression worse. Your depressive thoughts could keep you awake at night whether you are reeling from a specific moment in your life or you just feel hopeless about your life in general.

The same can be said if your loved ones often point out that you are asleep for long periods of time daily. While the day for them may start in the morning, they may note that they don’t see you until the afternoon or later. Depression can cause you to lack motivation and a sense of time, causing you to resist getting out of bed to greet the day.

Lack of Optimism

Your loved ones may also point out that you have a perpetually negative outlook during conversations. Depression has a way of making you have a more "realistic" opinion on things.

For example, there might be a discussion about a crime that happened on the news. Instead of believing a particular perpetrator will be found guilty, you believe justice will not be served. You may go on about an imperfect justice system. While you may be right, your negative realism can bring the faith of others down. Your depression can give the impression that all hope is lost and that the worst-case scenario will occur.

Disinterest in What You Like to Do

In the past, you liked to go to baseball games or concerts. Now, when your loved ones ask you to go, you likely tell them no. This can confuse and upset your loved ones. Something that used to make you quite happy is no longer important to you. As others share this with you, understand that they are also concerned about your interest in their relationship with you too.

Finally...

Depression can make you feel so down about your life that you feel like nothing will make it better. You find yourself sitting out of your favorite activities that used to make you smile. Your friends and family always want to be sure that you are happy when you are around them. If you are not, they do not want to watch you suffer. Allow them to provide a helping hand and honor their suggestions regarding therapy.

If your friends are worried about your overall well-being, take time to breathe in their support. Seeking depression therapy will give you the tools you need to smile and enjoy your life. Please read more about depression therapy and contact us to schedule your first appointment.