How do you Help Someone with Depression??

Question

without seeing a shrink! It's my boyfriend who has the problem...
What do I do?

Even in his sleep he ask me to hug him or he would loose it.. I am scared

Answer 1

Go to a regular doctor. I have/had depression. It can be treated with medication, usually Paxil. You don't have to go see a shrink.

Answer 2

My first concern is that you don't want your boyfriend to see a psychiatrist when in fact it may be exactly what he needs. Forget about stereotypes on mental health or that your Aunt Sally had a bad shrink and it really screwed her up. Depression (a broad category that can be part of other diagnosis') is treatable and more common than people realize. Chemical process' in the brain play a major part in depression and need attention just like any other physical problem. So, if your boyfrend had diabetes, you wouldn't tell him not to see a doctor would you?!
If your boyfriend has the problem, than you do too and so does his family, friends and co-workers. Depression affects everyone close to the person who's experiencing it. The web has excellent information on the causes of depression, common treatments, how to find a psychiatrist or therapist and organizations that will send you tons of info on depression. Good luck !!

Answer 3

Depression is a serious thing, and I belive that the best shrink to help depressed people are their friends, in your case girlfriends.

Somehow let him know that you'll always be there, and if you know the problem then try to fix it somehow. Whatever you do, always be cheerful, and think of things that will make him happy.

I am depressed sometimes too, and the things that best help are when you are distracted from what's bothering you. So offer to do something with him that he would enjoy that takes up time, eventually the depression will wear off, it always does.

Answer 4

First, seeing a therapist is NOT a bad thing. It gets a bad rap but it actually saves lives. Now, depending on the source of your man's depression, different things could be done. If it has something to do with his overall place in life (unfulfilled goals etc.), a good pep talk with some solid listening and compassion usually helps people realize they are capable of changing their path in life. Sometimes people get worked up over things they want to do and end up beating themselves up when they don't achieve these goals in a certain amount of time.

Now, if the depression doeesn't seem to be from any one reason, he may need to talk to his doctor and possibly be prescribed an anti-depressant. And, before you twist your lips. There are millions of people today in all occupations and walks of life who take these medicines and they will swear by them.

Maybe he needs to work out to relieve some built up stress. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins which make you feel better mentally. Maybe cut out the booze if he drinks. Drinking tends to make you wallow in self-pity.

For starters, though, listen to him and be sincere when he talks to you about his fears and problems. Empathy and compassion works wonders. Also, have you thought about a good church service. That's been proven to make people feel stronger, too.

Good luck and if all else fails, talk him into talking to his doctor. Depression untreated can lead to dangerous things.

Answer 5

If the person is seriously depressed they need to see a doctor. There is medication and other treatments avaliable. If the person is just going through a rough patch, try cheering him up. Maybe inviting them out for dinner or just listening and giving a shoulder to cry on. Remember to be supportive, but don't take on more than you can handle.

Answer 6

I had that problem once too. My ex was very low for a long time. He was just at a place in life that he didn't want to be. Things looked up for him when he started a new job he really liked and got out more with his friends. Try distracting him with new activities and experiences. Sometimes we just have to get outside of ourselves to see the big picture.

Answer 7

Get him to an M.D. There is no reason why anyone has to suffer with depression in this day and age. A physical and blood tests to start and then an anti-depressant. It's a start, once he is feeling better, he may be able to deal with his problems a little better.

Answer 8

well, if he is clinicly depressed, i guess you should make sure that he takes his meds, in the proper doses and times without alcohol or other drugs. If he is just feeling down that is normal, i dont care what the quacks says, it could be stress, could be that he is getting sick, could be poor diet, could be lots of things. Im sure you are gonna get a lot of rude answers here telling you what to do, but some of them might just do the trick, wink wink.

Answer 9

Get him outside.

I suffered from depression (and there is nothing more depressing than having sex with a depressed person).

He may suffer from seasonal affectiveness disorder (he may need lots of sunshine). By taking a long walk, he can get his endorphins flowing.

If you could do an exercise program together (running laps or whatnot) that could really help his mood.

Answer 10

A regular doctor can see him and prescribe medication (if needed) but, it would be helpful for him to find out what is causing his depression by talking about it, preferably to a professional.