How can I tell my boyfriend I think he has depression and needs help?

Question

So my boyfriend shows very major signs of major depressive disorder. I want him to get help, but I have no idea how I tell him he should get counseling. What do I do?

Answer 1

Spit it out just like that. I have depression and I have several friends that suffer too. Shoot him straight, and be compassionate. Maybe he needs meds but he does need professional intervention. He likely knows that he is depressed, if he doesn't realize that, then he has some very major problems!
If you are really uncomfortable in talking to him about this then talk to a therapist yourself before talking to him.

Answer 2

Tell him you know he is depressed but you think it is more than just a mood thing. Tell him he may have chemical depression which means that his body is not producing a certain chemical to regulate mood. This can be treat by a regular doctor with medication. If the doctor sees signs of a disorder beyond depression the doctor will suggest counseling. Be supportive and don't make him feel as if he has done something wrong by being so depressed. Just let him know you worry because you care.

Answer 3

Maybe you can try asking him how he feels and what he's thinking and then tell him that maybe he should go and talk to someone. I think it'd be easier if you arm yourself with knowledge on where he can go, and if he doesn't have much money, maybe find somewhere cheap or for free. Don't expect him to just jump on the band wagon though, it could take quite a while for him to be receptive to the idea.

Answer 4

You could say "I think you are depressed and i think you need counselling. I am am not equipped to help you in the ways that you appear to need help"

Answer 5

Sit and discuss how he feels, tell him he does not have to suffer any longer, that you are going to make an appointment for him to see the doctor. ask him when was the last time he say a doctor?

Answer 6

i think your boyfriend would dont accept that he is depressive

dont tell him that directly

try to talk using other ways
try to grt him out the best help will be your own
go with him to any disco or anywhere else spend him realy good time then i think it will be better.......

Answer 7

These are the signs:

1) Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
Teens may show their pervasive sadness by wearing black clothes, writing poetry with morbid themes, or having a preoccupation with music that has nihilistic themes. They may cry for no apparent reason.

2) Hopelessness
Teens may feel that life is not worth living or worth the effort to even maintain their appearance or hygiene. They may believe that a negative situation will never change and be pessimistic about their future.

3) Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
Teens may become apathetic and drop out of clubs, sports, and other activities they once enjoyed. Not much seems fun anymore to the depressed teen.

4) Persistent boredom; low energy
Lack of motivation and lowered energy level is reflected by missed classes or not going to school. A drop in grade averages can be equated with loss of concentration and slowed thinking.

5) Social isolation, poor communication
There is a lack of connection with friends and family. Teens may avoid family gatherings and events. Teens who used to spend a lot of time with friends may now spend most of their time alone and without interests. Teens may not share their feelings with others, believing that they are alone in the world and no one is listening to them or even cares about them.

6) Low self esteem and guilt
Teens may assume blame for negative events or circumstances. They may feel like a failure and have negative views about their competence and self-worth. They feel as if they are not "good enough."

7) Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
Believing that they are unworthy, depressed teens become even more depressed with every supposed rejection or perceived lack of success. (Visit Peer Influence and Peer Relationships)

8) Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
Depressed teens are often irritable, taking out most of their anger on their family. They may attack others by being critical, sarcastic, or abusive. They may feel they must reject their family before their family rejects them. (Read Anger in Our Teens and in Ourselves)

9) Difficulty with relationships
Teens may suddenly have no interest in maintaining friendships. They'll stop calling and visiting their friends.

10) Frequent complaints of physical illnesses, such as headaches and stomachaches
Teens may complain about lightheadedness or dizziness, being nauseated, and back pain. Other common complaints include headaches, stomachaches, vomiting, and menstrual problems.

11) Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
Children and teens who cause trouble at home or at school may actually be depressed but not know it. Because the child may not always seem sad, parents and teachers may not realize that the behavior problem is a sign of depression.

12) Poor concentration
Teens may have trouble concentrating on schoolwork, following a conversation, or even watching television. (Read ADHD and Depression)

13) A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
Sleep disturbance may show up as all-night television watching, difficulty in getting up for school, or sleeping during the day. Loss of appetite may become anorexia or bulimia. Eating too much may result in weight gain and obesity. (Visit Eating Disorders)

14) Talk of or efforts to run away from home
Running away is usually a cry for help. This may be the first time the parents realize that their child has a problem and needs help.

15) Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior
Teens who are depressed may say they want to be dead or may talk about suicide. Depressed children and teens are at increased risk for committing suicide. If a child or teen says, "I want to kill myself," or "I'm going to commit suicide," always take the statement seriously and seek evaluation from a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health professional. People often feel uncomfortable talking about death. However, asking whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful. Rather than "putting thoughts in the child's head," such a question will provide assurance that somebody cares and will give the young person the chance to talk about problems.

16) Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Depressed teens may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way to feel better.

17) Self-Injury
Teens who have difficulty talking about their feelings may show their emotional tension, physical discomfort, pain and low self-esteem with self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting.
http://www.focusas.com/Depression.html

Answer 8

take him to movies. that should make him happy. basically surrond him with happiness.

Answer 9

just like that,go and tel him.

Answer 10

Talk to him ASAP !