what should I do when a good friend tells me that he suffers Depression? Ho w can I help him? now it seems that he is so sensitive. what should I say to him ? I really want to give him some help and save him from the mental disease.
2006-09-03 18:46:04 · 11 answers · asked by elf.com 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
You can't save him from it. You can be an unconditional friend and help by keeping his spirits up. Try not to bring him bad news or put him dwon. Make sure he goes to a dr. and does counciling and or drugs that the dr tells him to. He cannot take the drugs randomly and not with alcohol. don't bug him about it but be aware of how he is doing. If you see a great decrease in his functionability, get him to help quick. Best wishes. I have had it for so many years and I know that only God can save you from the pitfalls of depression.
2006-09-03 18:52:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend should be encouraged to seek medical hekp--if they have not done so as yet. If you are interested seek out your own information about depression. Getting your friend to spend time walking with you , or just sitting outdoors in the daylight may be a little help.
The best help comes from a professional who may prescribe anti depressant medication, theraphy or both--after ruling out other health problems that could make one feel 'depressed'..
Depression is a 'mental disease' --often caused by a lack of the right chemicals inside the brain. Chemicals such as seratonin.
Be patient and do not tell your friend to 'cheer up'. ! If they could they would not feel depressed.
2006-09-03 18:59:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bless you for caring. To continue to do so:
a) Realize you are not able to save anyone from the mental disease. You can determine to stand by him. Otherwise you are setting both of you up to a falling out.
b) Increasingly, mental health care is available in community clinics, self-health groups, and through medication. Here again, there are numerous ways you can help...just going with or phoning after are tremendous helps.
c) Learn for yourself what all is involved in the disease and its treatment.
d) Encourage your friend to seek treatment, perhaps offer to assist in locating such - but only once or twice less you become an enabler.
e) Utilize your faith resources.
2006-09-03 18:52:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank him for telling you. He must trust you very much. You can't save him, but it's great to have a friend listen, and help find solutions together.
What a priveledged position you hold, to have his trust. This is great..
Ask if he's seeing professionals that he trusts, encourage him to continue following a plan of action because it can be managed. Keep talking. You'll both learn a lot.
We live in great times for treating this illness, so take advantage of the self help groups, medication, many new treatments.
2006-09-03 18:56:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well first and foremost, depression is an illness, just like diabetes, cancer, etc. It is about chemicals in the brain like seronton and dopamine that need medication in order to boost them normally. However, only a doctor can determine that. There are many factors that cause depression, like genetics, environmental, childhood issues, but I would recommend that you talk to him about medication. One in four people suffer from this so he is not alone.
2006-09-03 18:59:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course, you'll want to direct your friend to appropriate professional help.
But you can help directly as well. Most people who suffer from mental illness feel misunderstood and somewhat isolated. Try your best to understand him and what lifestyle factors may be contributing to his plight. Depression isn't just chemical. There are psychological and social factors as well.
2006-09-03 20:18:46 · answer #6 · answered by Subconsciousless 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
somehow i dont buy the point that depression is a "Disease" i think the best way to pull him out of this is by seeking an appointment with a psyciatrist or a psychologist.friendly advice & suggestions may not be useful. if u really care for him hold his hand & take him to the psyciatrist
2006-09-03 20:02:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't 'save' him from it anymore than you could 'save' him from diabetes. It's an organic brain disorder that causes persistent sad and negative feelings.
Treatment today is limited to various medications, and therapy.
Like any illness though, friend and family support is needed, since the person's not invisible just because they're sick.
Keep your own life outside though, it's easy to get pulled under.
2006-09-03 19:05:10 · answer #8 · answered by lucy_shy8000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate depression. Theres medication out there if needed.
Hes the one who has to learn how to control depression, and not let it over power you. Once he has learned this, then his depression will be lifted. take control of his life. (he needs to learn this)
2006-09-03 18:53:33 · answer #9 · answered by Tweetalette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are a psychologist, there isn't much you can do for him, except to encourage him to go see one.
2006-09-03 18:54:45 · answer #10 · answered by eyeque195 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋