11 Ways to Help a Loved One in Denial

Helping a Loved One Suffering from Depression

What if your friend, mother, sibling, or father-in-law is severely depressed but refuses to recognize it? Most of us have been there at least once in our life: the awkward spot where you know a loved one has a mood disorder or drinking problem, but is too stubborn to admit it and to proud to get help. You might see the consequence his behavior is having on his children, his job, or his marriage, but he is blissfully blind or is in too much pain to see the truth.

What can you do, short of taking the person by his shoulders, shaking him, while screaming, “Wake the hell up and see what you are doing?!?” It’s very complicated. Because people are different. Mood disorders vary. And families are as unique as the illnesses themselves. After doing a bit of research and consulting with a few mental health professionals, I have compiled this list of suggestions, to be read as merely that: suggestions.

Therese J. Borchard writes the Beyond Blue blog on Beliefnet.