He has had it for over 4 years and gets treatment for it..
2006-10-03 16:36:37 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
The most important thing to do, you're doing it. You are loving him, caring for him and trying to help him.
Keep that up my dear. Continually reminding him that you are there for him if he needs you. And you love him unconditionally and without judgement.
Depression is one of the worst things to suffer from. I too suffer from it, and it can be horrendous.
What kind of treatment is he getting? Hopefully seeing a doctor and taking medications that can help. The thing to remember with meds is that they don't work over night. All antidepressants take atleast 2-3 weeks to get fully into your system and start taking it's full affect. Also, meds isn't just the answer. There are other factors he should be considering. Like counselling for whatever could be causing him to feel this way. Dealing with and accepting the root of the problem is the only way to start working on fixing it.
There are reading materials that could help him manage his depression, stress and anxiety. Support groups, with people suffering from the same thing. I know talking with people that are also going through the same as I, really does help.
You sound like a good friend. You are doing a great job already....it is important though that co-dependancy doesn't creep in here though. I don't mean to sound cruel, but you have to take care of yourself too. Don't let his problems, his issues bring you down. You have to live your life and do what you have to do for yourself first before you can help anyone else.
Good luck my friend, and God Bless.
2006-10-03 18:15:31 · answer #1 · answered by Shannifanni 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People with depression tend to isolate, but definitely need their friends regardless. People with depression don't feel valuable or worthy, so their behavior can be mistaken for coldness, rudeness, or uncaring. They have a disease and since he is already getting treatment for it, that is already a step ahead. Respect his feelings, just as you would anyone else and give him space when he needs it. I would only caution that if he ever talks of suicide, or starts giving away a lot of things, then it is time for some sort of professional intervention. Other than that, just be there, go out to dinner, a movie, theater. Discover the fine line between offering encouragement and being pushy, and lean to the first. People with any support needs appreciate others in their lives who care.
2006-10-03 16:43:56 · answer #2 · answered by Animaholic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Hun! One of the best things you can do is just be there for him to talk to. Another thing is you might get him outside. Take him for a ride in the country. Try to find out what he used to be interested in and buy him a magazine on it. Go to his house and make a lemon cake and share it with him. He has lost hope, This is not good. Hope gives life its flavor. As long as hope lives, so do we; but when hope dies , a piece of the soul dies with it. (He needs some kind of hope in his life.) A sad soul can kill you quicker than a germ. Happiness is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation which gives happiness. He needs an occupation something to get his mind off from himself and on to another person or task. If he is able give him little jobs to do. He needs to feel wanted. This will be a very hard task for you, but if you really want to help him here are a few suggestions. He needs to destroy the enemy that is consuming him, he needs to love himself. Life is what we make it. He needs to understand these concepts. However no one can make him change, he has to want to change and get better. Some times it takes years to pull a person out of the grasp of depression, other times some people just learm to live with it. Some things you could do is to make a list of things he has done in his life. It might be helpful to make a list of all his good traits that he has. It might be helpful if he makes out a list of things to get done. Tell him you need him to help you with something he needs to feel needed. I hope I helped! God Bless you both! Hugs! Von
2006-10-03 19:06:55 · answer #3 · answered by bry7josh 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If counseling AND medication (I stress AND cause it should go together) hasnt worked for 4 years, something in his environment must be maintaining the depression. I suggest you try to get the whole family into counseling or therapy.
2006-10-03 16:46:50 · answer #4 · answered by kay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take them to the right doctor, for the right medicine and treatment, and try to be there for them, it is really tough feeling like that, have a Friend like that.
2006-10-03 16:42:30 · answer #5 · answered by funguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what ever treatment he is getting is not working...he needs to be seeing a psychiatrist and a psycologist-and letting them know how he feel-may even be time to change doctors if his is not open to this illness.usually there are several different types of medications that can be used and it takes a few tries to get it right...be there for him...be supportive....
2006-10-03 16:40:58 · answer #6 · answered by lynn8953 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a tough one!
Invite him out for exercise or for anything that might be fun. Try not to notice if he's in a bad mood.
2006-10-03 16:39:54 · answer #7 · answered by nora22000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See this under depression for natural help.
http://phifoundation.org/heal.html
2006-10-03 16:52:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a specialist that can help them with their particular problem. Also, offer a shoulder to cry on after their session...
2006-10-03 16:38:27 · answer #9 · answered by jrcarl2003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be there for him.
2006-10-03 17:42:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋