NPR just did a story on how depression in a family can increase the risk of any one member of the famimly getting depression or anxiety as well. It's a nice piecethat reminds us that we must reach out for treatment not only for ourselves, but to benefit our loved ones as well.
"Parents with depression can reduce the risk to their children by getting treatment."
One method of treatment this article recommends is family therapy and support groups.
"What we've found works well is participant support groups," says Peter Ashenden, head of Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. "People get to meet other individuals with the same or similar experiences," he says, and families can see how other families have coped.
You can find support groups for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders here and here. These groups are a great way to get started down the road to recovery.
