Background: Fifteen percent of men and 25 percent of women in Sweden will at some point in life get treatment for depression. Depression is everywhere in healthcare, not only in psychiatric care, but also in somatic care, primary care and outpatient care. Specialist nurse's function is becoming increasingly important, as the mental health of the community increases. Through an in-depth knowledge of the relatives experience the nurse has better opportunities to support and help the relatives and the patient.

Aim: The aim of this study is to illuminate nurses experience of providing support for relatives of a person suffering from depression.

Method: Nine nurses interviewed, where the focus was on getting out their experiences of providing support to relatives. Data collection was done through the use of semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used as the analysis method. The analysis is presented in two categories and six subcategories

Results: The results show that nurses experienced that the relatives want to be involved in the care process. Other factors that emerge from the nurses was the relatives need for knowledge about depression and openness for relatives support needs. It also reveals barriers such as secrecy, short on time for relatives and patient focus reduces the relatives´ participation.

Conclusions: The nurse will notify relatives information, knowledge, support, giving them the opportunity to talk about their feelings and experiences. They must open up to relatives' opportunities to participate on their loved one who suffers from depression. Important for relatives is that nurses in difficult situations will take over responsibility and that they are available, and at any time can be contacted for advice and support.