Among mental health disorders, we find depression which affects 15 to 20% of the world population, across all age groups, according to Inserm. During a depressive episode, the person may feel a deep, almost permanent sadness, marked anxiety Or strong irritability. Added to these emotional symptoms is a loss of pleasure (anhedonia) in all areas of life. Fatigue is also very present associated with sleep disorders as well as changes in appetite. On an intellectual level, the person complains of difficulty concentrating, memory problems And difficulty getting organized (planning for the day, perception of time, etc.). In all cases, she feels very bad: she suffers and can no longer lead her life as she used to.
Very often, in the early stages, the patient is not aware of his illness and tends to find reasons explaining his condition in external events. Conversely, the entourage may be alerted by these symptomsAnd play a decisive role in the diagnosis and management of the pathology.
Depression: what are the symptoms that can alert those around you?
Those close to you (partner, children, parents, friends, etc.) often notice a change in behavior of the person going through depression. “Those around them can observe that the patient is no longer himself. He isolates himself, withdraws into himself, loses or gains weight, has sleep problems or consumes excessively toxic substances (alcohol, tobacco). In consultation, some relatives tell us ‘I don’t recognize him anymore, he wasn’t like that before’ even though the person concerned doesn’t realize that they are unwell.”describes Doctor Astrid Chevance, psychiatrist and scientific manager of ComPaRe Dépression online research project which collects testimonies from people affected by depression.
As the specialist indicates, the opinion of loved ones is important in the healing process. For example, they can indicate to health professionals the period when the patient had changes in his behavior (no longer laughs, no longer wants to go out, eats less, sleeps all the time, etc.), that he started to become more go to work or have difficulty managing administration.
What can be the role of a loved one in the event of a depressive episode?
When you realize that someone close to you is not doing well, you can find yourself helpless without knowing how to support them. As the primary caregiver, it is essential, firstly, to encourage them to consult a qualified healthcare professional. “Above all, the caregiver must not take on the role of doctor, psychologist or nurse. Their presence helps the person enter and remain in care. With the patient’s consent, he can telephone to obtain a medical consultation, offer to accompany him to his appointments and relieve him of administrative matters. These are steps which require time and energy. The depressed person often has difficulty accomplishing them. The caregiver can therefore take over.”, explains Doctor Astrid Chevance. During a consultation, the psychologist or psychiatrist can also ask the caregiver to participate in the consultation or to be available if they need additional information.
Like physical illnesses, support from loved ones helps patients with depression cope with this ordeal. However, this place can sometimes be difficult to live in. “Supporting a sick loved one, whether with a physical or psychiatric illness, is a marathon. In addition, being the main caregiver is itself a risk factor for depression. We must therefore accept that we cannot do everything, and be able to ask for help when we feel that it is becoming too difficult to bear alone. You must be aware of your limits to best help the patient.” recalls the psychiatrist. Everyone is free to choose the place they wish to take in supporting a person suffering from depression. Support from family and friends makes it possible to confront the doubt, fears and stigmatizations that she may experience on a daily basis.
Thanks to Doctor Astrid Chevance, psychiatrist and scientific manager of ComPaRe Dépression online research project which collects testimonies from people affected by depression.