Posted by Klavot on April 26, 2007, at 9:31:13
In reply to Family in denial of depression, posted by JerryPharmStudent on April 26, 2007, at 8:26:09
Gently prod your family towards a factual understanding of what depression is by presenting them with information on the condition. Point out to them - tactfully - that medical science considers certain types of depression to have a neurochemical cause. Like epilepsy, depression can be treated with medication, and telling a depression sufferer to "snap out of it" is a bit like telling an epileptic patient to "snap out of it". Point out to them that one's control over your own neurochemistry is limited. Explain to them that you of all people are the one suffering here, and that you have no reason to want to be depressed. Offer to meet them half way; make some concessions on your part in exchange for them making concessions on their part.
You might have to accept that some people will simply never understand until it has happened to them.
On a lighter note: you could always try an anticlimax tactic. For example, if they are homophobic, say to them: "Mother, father, I am gay." Then after they have freaked out, say: "Nah, I'm not gay, I just suffer from depression." And they'll be like: "Oh, that's great news! How can we help you? Please, just don't turn gay."
Klavot
poster:Klavot
thread:753563
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070426/msgs/753587.html