When a parent suffers from depression, the entire family can suffer. What a lot of people don't realize is how much of an impact this can have on the children in the home. If your family can relate, there are some things that you can do to ensure that what's going on now doesn't have a lasting impact on the children as they grow into adults and raise kids of their own.

Time Away

Those with depression may begin to feel overwhelmed in situations that others wouldn't think would be that stressful. The sound of kids playing in the living room, the dogs barking, the constant need to feed and bathe the kids – it piles up on their shoulders and can make recovering more difficult.

Allow the parent to take time away or get the kids out of the house so that the parent can have the house to unwind and find peace. This can help to decrease their stress levels and allow medications to work as they should. A little time to unwind can go a long way when you're feeling overwhelmed or hopeless.

This is an issue that the entire family is dealing with and will probably have to cope with for the rest of their lives. Take control now by teaching the kids about the issue to prevent it from haunting their futures.

Family Counseling

Many families suffer through this issue, but not many realize the damage that's being done to the children. Family counseling is something that can really help the entire family understand what's going on and help the one suffering from depression find release from their guilt.

What a lot of people don't realize is that the kids see everything that goes on in the house. They notice when mom or dad walks by them without acknowledging them, they see when mom or dad can't get out of bed to help with homework – and it does impact them.

What even more people don't realize is how damaging this is to the parent suffering from depression. Oftentimes, they know that they need to do better by the kids, but they just can't - they physically and emotionally can't and it can push them deeper into a depression.

Marriage and family therapy provides the family with the tools and the opportunity to discuss what they are feeling and learn what they can do to help deal with the symptoms as they arise.

For more information about marriage and family therapy, contact a service like Andrea Brandt Therapy.