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Depression is a disorder that can severely impact how you live your life as it disrupts how you think, feel and behave. It is more than the ‘blues,’ or sadness, though low or depressed mood is a hallmark symptom. Depression can also damage and disrupt relationships, particularly with those closest to you like your family. This can take a toll on the family, leaving those closest to you confused as how to best support you. 

Reactive depression is a type of depression that is triggered by stress, relationship problems can also be a trigger. If you are experiencing any type of depression it is important to seek treatment. Depression is powerful, however, it is also treatable and often improves with counseling. 

Know About Depression

Reactive depression “a category of clinical depression that refers to an inappropriate state of depression… precipitated by events in the person’s life (to be distinguished from typical grief) arising as a consequence of severe life events,” says Patients Like Me. As a family, it can benefit you to work together, due to the fact that “depression has a huge impact on the home and families can have a huge impact on depression.”

Symptoms of a depressive episode, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) can include; 

1. Sad or depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
2. Decreased interest or pleasure in things you once enjoyed
3. Appetite changes and significant weight loss or gain
4. Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
5. Feeling sped up or slowed down
6. Fatigue 
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
8. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
9. Recurring thoughts of suicide 

The more you know and understand the symptoms of depression the sooner you can identify it. These symptoms don’t have to continue, they don’t have to impact your family. Therapy can help. 

Treating Reactive Depression

Life can be stressful. This stress and change can bring upon symptoms of depression, impacting your relationships with those closest to you. Depression can wreak havoc on your family whether it is in relation to life circumstances or relational stress. 

Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts with experienced therapists who can effectively treat depression. Regardless of what triggered your symptoms, counseling can help. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.