Resources for friends and family

[wishifeltbetter]

Does anyone have any advice or resources like websites (or anything else) for friends and family members of someone struggling with severe depression and anxiety?

My husband wants to help, but often his words, tone of voice, or actions either don’t help, or trigger me to feel worse. I know he wants to help. And I want to be helped and comforted. But Neither of us know what he can say or do that will help.

Any advice or resources will be appreciated.

[Brandy4]

Hi wishifeltbetter,

Firstly I would like say well done for braving things and writing this on here. You have definitely done the right thing, if you ever need to talk on a deeper level then please feel free to message me privately.

I myself am new to this, and I have found some really helpful posts and communities (I have M.E, PTSD, bad depression and - only in the last year - had the double whammy of having crippling anxiety).

I am so very lucky to have a wonderful husband who is amazing at so many things, but emotional support is definitely not one of his strengths, but no one is perfect and I try not to be too hurt or read too much into his, what sometimes feels like, very hurtful and abandoning behaviour, so I can listen and give advice, not saying that it will be the right advice, but if you need someone to vent at, please get in touch.

Please take care of yourself and try to be kind to yourself

xx

[reaThua9]

I love how understanding you are towards your husband, and how loving it sounds like he is towards you. That's such a great foundation, and you're so smart to be seeking practical ways to build on that.

This site bit.ly/2XKyqvR is a compilation of different resources (articles, websites, eBooks) for coping with depression. Number 18 "Dealing with Depression" is more marriage-oriented, so that may be a good place to start.

Let me know if it helps, and I'll be praying for you.

[PapaDocs]

Hi wishifeltbetter,

For severe depression and anxiety, I would seek help from a professional practitioner first because they are more equipped in diagnosis. Having said that, you will find many articles in psychologytoday.com, adaa.org, and mayoclinic.org. Instead of pouring over many articles trying to pinpoint your relative’s condition, it would be more efficient to know the possible illness first and then reading as much as you can about it. Here is a good example of a general article: adaa.org/understanding-anxi.... I hope that helps.