Explaining Depression to Friends and Family

I do understand that an illness that affects mood may be hard to imagine for some. This same attitude is not applied to other illnesses, nor is there such a strong stigma surrounding physical illness. Would this same theory or attitude apply for something like renal failure? Would a person say, "Well, if you just drank more water, the kidneys would have a better opportunity to work properly?" I think not.

Maybe you have tried this approach already. Or perhaps something else has worked more effectively. If so, please share your experience. I do believe we all may benefit from other's ideas on what works to share the reality and truth of this illness.