Content

• Steps
• Warning

It is difficult to define your role when a parent is depressed. Depending on your age, there may be nothing you can do to help them, but there are a few strategies that can help you cope with a depressed parent. As a child, it's not your job to be a parent. If you have the ability, time, and energy, you can help or support them, however, it is important to be aware of your healthy boundaries and of limitations.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Helping parents

1. 

   Talk to your parents. Talking about depression with another person can be intimidating, especially if they are your parents. If you are worried and feel that things are not going to get better, talk about it. Approach your parent with care and concern. Remind them of how important they are to you, and that you want to see them happy.
   • You could say “I am worried about my parent and my / her health, has things changed? Are you okay? ”.
   • You can also say, “I know very well that everything has changed, and you look very sad. Are you okay? ".
   • If your parents say something about them "no longer want to be here", seek help right away.

2. 

   
   
   Encourage your parents to have therapy. After you have had a heartfelt discussion with your parents, urge them to see a therapist. Understand that you are not responsible for their thoughts, feelings, and behavior, especially when it is related to depression. Encourage them to find a therapist. Therapy will help change negative thinking patterns, identify triggers, and practice preventive strategies to reduce future depression symptoms.
   • Tell your parents, “I want you to be happy and healthy, and I think the therapist will help you. Would you like to see a therapist? ”

3. 

   
   
   Get involved in family therapy. While individual therapy can help someone gain specific skills, whole-family participatory therapy can be helpful for everyone. When parents are depressed, the whole family will have a hard time. Family therapy will help all members communicate with each other and solve problems that arise.
   • If you feel like you are carrying too much responsibility indoors, this therapy is a great place to talk about it and build compromises.

4. 

   
   
   Know what to do when your parents can no longer look after themselves. Sometimes, when someone is depressed and stops taking care of themselves - they don't take a bath, go to work, or do something like cooking, cleaning, doing laundry. etc. If your parents neglect yourself, your needs are also being ignored.
   • In this case, you need to seek help. If your dad is depressed, you can talk to your mom or stepmother about what's going on with your dad and let them know you think he needs help. You can help them with little things, like by keeping your room clean or completing small tasks like taking out the trash, but it is your parents' responsibility to take care of you.
   • If you are a little older, like a teenager, you can do things your parents can't do while they're recovering. Try to help around the house, cook or buy dinner, drive your little one to activities, and more. However, you shouldn't take full responsibility for all chores around the house or become your parents' sole caregiver. You should help them with a task that has a high priority (like preparing a meal), but remember that, right now, you won't be able to get all the work done.
   • If you are an adult, talk to your parents about getting help. If they don't want to see a therapist, you can persuade them to see their doctor for a checkup.Set boundaries on what you are willing and able to do for your parents, remember that they need to accept help before they can feel better. You cannot force them.

5. 

   Recognize suicidal behavior. It's scary to think of, but getting used to suicide is important if your parents are depressed. Someone who has the intention to end his life will often show a few signs, and being aware of them early will help prepare you to take action. Some signs that someone is in danger of committing suicide include:
   • Give away your belongings.
   • Talk about going away or dealing with things personally.
   • Talking about death or suicide, maybe about hurting yourself.
   • Tell you about feelings of despair.
   • Sudden changes in behavior, such as calmness after a period of anxiety.
   • Engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as using more alcohol and drugs.
   • Say you would be better off without them, that they don't want to be in this world, that things will end soon, or something like that.

6. 

   Be ready to act if you think your parent is in danger. If you think they are attempting to commit suicide, you should call 1900599830 Vietnam Center for Psychological Crisis Hotline or 112. If your parents threaten to harm themselves or committing suicide, possessing a potentially lethal weapon or vehicle (such as a drug), constantly talking about ending lives and agitation or anxiety, or in the process of trying to commit suicide, you should call for immediate emergency service (like 112). advertisement

Part 2 of 2: Take care of yourself

1. 

   Avoid taking things personally. Usually, women tend to be emotional or sad, while men tend to be angry or angry. Either way, a depressed parent will unintentionally say things they don't want. You may feel as though you were the cause of stress in your parents' life. Understanding that your parents' moods are out of the ordinary - which can cause behavior changes - will help you realize that these are not true.
   • If your parents are hurting your feelings, look at their words in a more positive way. Try to forgive them and accept that their spirits are not stable. While this won't make their words any less painful, it will help you understand that you are not at fault.

2. 

   Spend time with someone who makes you happy. Go out with friends, spend time with positive people, and enjoy life. Don't be afraid to get out of the house and do something else. Having a good hang out will give you the mental balance you need to stay comfortable at home.
   • Don't allow the duties of caring for your parents and family responsibilities to become your life. You are under no obligation to be the caretaker of the home. You can help, but don't let it control your life.
   • You need to set boundaries with your parents. If they are counting on you to make them feel better or better, this is an unhealthy course of action and can have a huge impact on your mental health.
   • Try to set small boundaries at first, and stick to it without expressing anger or judgment. For example, if your parents share too many things with you, tell you more about their problems than appropriate, you could tell them, "Dad, I love talking to you, but This problem is beyond my ability. I think Aunt Sau can help you. "

3. 

   Talk about your feelings. Your emotions are very important, and repressing them is not a healthy act. Find someone who can listen and talk to that person.
   • Your parents are not well enough to serve as their parent, so look for another adult who can become your mentor. You should consider reaching out to siblings, grandparents, aunts / uncles, religious leaders, and family friends.

4. 

   Find ways to express your emotions. It is okay to feel stressed, anxious, and sad when your parents have depression. You need to cope with your emotions by having a healthy outlet to get rid of stress and recharge. You should journal, draw, listen to music, or write.
   • Find an activity that relaxes you or feels great. They may include participating in sports, running, or playing with a family pet.

5. 

   You are completely allowed to cry. Living with a parent who is depressed can be difficult. Your feeling is completely natural and real. Crying is a great way to release your emotions in a healthy way. Crying can also make you feel better as tears release stress hormones and toxins.
   • Don't feel ashamed of crying. It's not wrong to cry or express your feelings, whether you are alone or in public.
   • Give yourself as much time as you need to cry. If this makes you more comfortable, you can excuse yourself to go somewhere private and cry, like your bathroom or bedroom.

6. 

   Know that your parents still love you. Depression can create weird things for your parents' minds and behaviors - exhaust them, change their feelings, and say things they don't want. Your parents are going through a tough time. They still love you very much. advertisement

Warning

• If you don't feel safe, have a "shelter" close to home that you can go to, or call an adult you trust.