Depression is defined as an intense of sadness that may follow a recent loss or sad event which is has a more dominant effect that normal and lasts longer than it should.
 
From the definition of depression it is easy to understand how depression can take a serious toll on relationships with friends, family, and co-workers. It is not unusual to find loving families torn apart or once secure jobs lost if depression is allowed to inject itself in the mix. Additionally, depression tends to have a strong genetic component, meaning that if one parent has depression, there is a very good chance that one or more of their children will have it as well. In this informational article titled “Depression and Relations” we will look at six of the ways in which depression damages and destroys relationships.
 
*Self Esteem: When a person’s self esteem is lost, it impairs their ability to relate to others. Compliments are difficult to accept and their ability to relate to others is not what it used to be. The brain filters information coming in from the environment. When the brain filter (self esteem) is negative, people tend to see the negative and ignore the positive. At times the seriously depressed person may mistake the most straightforward compliment for criticism. In other words their glass is always half empty.
 
*Anger/Rage: It is not unusual for a depressed person to have outbursts of anger or rage. Over time the parent, partner, or friend can start to become hesitant to interact in the normal way; the way that made the relationship fun and/or satisfying. It probably comes as no surprise that untreated depression is one of the primary factors seen in abusive relationships.
 
*Emotional paralysis: The friends, partners, and co-workers of depressed people complain that there is little talking or emotional expression in the relationship. Such comments as “Bob is just not the same person since the tragic event” are common and likely true.
 
*Misinterpretations: If you say it’s black, I say it’s white. Often those in the inner circle of a depressed person have to spend a disproportionate amount of time correcting misperceptions that lead to disagreements.
 
*Isolation: The depressed person may recognize that something is wrong and it is having an impact on their relationships. To avoid conflict they simply withdraw. They also are less inclined to seek new relationships due to the negative thought process linked to depression.
 
*Moody, Emotional, and/or Frustrated: For the people around a depressed child, teen, and adult life become like the line from the famous move about a box of chocolates; you never know what you are going to get. If the right trigger is activated the most civil and interested conversation can quickly turn into a huge explosion of rage.
 
In summary, unbridled depression can tear apart relationships and must be recognized and corralled for the depressed person to return to the life they once knew.
 
Additionally, many people are choosing to combine such treatments as cognitive behavior therapy with natural depression supplements. Natural depression supplements are very safe, affordable, and have been shown to be a viable tool for supporting both emotional and mental health. If you have been looking for an alternative solution for depression this is definitely an area of treatment worth considering.

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