i have a friend that has lost his mom in 97, lost his 2 kids in a divorce and hardly ever see's them, and has recently lost his close sister. he has just about no family left. he is always down and out and has lost another job from not going to work. he just sits around depressed. i cant get him to go to a mental health place to get help. what can i do for my friend? please help, im afraid he is going to do something stupid.
2006-10-27 02:54:26 · 5 answers · asked by ofchowell 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
i myself went through a serious bot of depression about 4 years ago when i myselft lost everything at the same time. The only thing i can suggest is to listen, listen, listen and try to encourage him to open up and discuss his feelings (but dont pressure him) just assure him you are there anytime he wants to talk. Talking is the best way to heal depression as you realise that just when you think you have nothing there is someone there who really cares.
I hope your friend gets well soon. I know how hard it can be. Dont expect a miracle over night. It took me 8 months to get over it all!
Best of luck!
2006-10-27 03:22:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a tough situation and I can understand why he's depressed. But he needs someone, you, to sit down with him and talk to him. It's hard to suffer a loss of someone who is close to you. And though his mom and his sister are gone, he needs to realize that his children are not and that he does have a choice to have his children in his life.
I don't know why he doesn't see his kids more, but maybe that's something you can talk with him about. Figure out why, i.e. distance, ex won't let him see the kids, he's depressed and just can't make the effort, whatever. Ask him point blank if he wants his kids in his life.
Assuming he does, figure out a way to make that happen. I.e. moving closer to them or asking the court for more visitation or to enforce the existing visitation order. But if it's caused by his depression that's the perfect reason for him to get professional help for his depression.
Be as blunt as you can. Tell him flat out that if he doesn't get help he could lose his kids as well. If you are afraid he is going to do something stupid maybe his ex wife might feel the same and tell the court that she is afraid for their children's safety and request he have limited and/or supervised visitation.
She could get a psych eval done and that could happen, if it hasn't already. If he doesn't want to lose his kids he needs to figure out a way to get help. And if you are willing to help him, make sure he knows he doesn't have to go through it alone.
What he really needs to understand is that depression is not necessarily permanent and it is perfectly treatable. There is no shame in getting help. If he gets on an antidepressant he should be able to get back to work and his life should gradually get back on track.
It may take some time to find the right medication and the right dose, and just make sure he knows that. If he's opposed to going to a mental health facility, maybe try a regular physician. I would try to go to a therapist first as he could benefit from talking to a professional. Maybe offer to go with him and sit in the waiting room. But if he flat out refuses, then suggest a regular doctor. It's better than nothing.
Best of luck to you and your friend.
2006-10-27 10:49:36 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out your state's local laws for involuntary committment. Some states have the right to involuntary commit someone if they pose a threat to themselves and/or others. This way he'll get the help he needs and prevent him from the unthinkable.
Speak to a physician for advice and direction.
2006-10-27 10:04:51 · answer #3 · answered by swomedicineman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you know you cannot help these type of people he is extremely depressed he lost his kids and his mom..what you can do is do jokes with him keep him happy..keep diverting his mind from his depression like when hes depressed throw a joke or watch t.v or play video games..and yes you can make him feel like that he have something who he likes him(which is you) and care about him from preventing him to do something stupid..
2006-10-27 10:34:35 · answer #4 · answered by cool k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one needs a psychiatrist, Just one good friend to talk to.
http://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Psychiatry-Electroshock-Biochemical-Theories/dp/0312113668/sr=1-3/qid=1161986787/ref=sr_1_3/002-5824583-1524020?ie=UTF8&s=books
2006-10-27 18:12:15 · answer #5 · answered by Chloe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋