2007-01-12 07:32:05 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
its great...their depression will slowly take over you and you'll become depressed yourself. Then, there is no helping either of you
2007-01-12 07:36:04 · answer #1 · answered by Ted Arcidi 2 · 2⤊ 6⤋
It can be hard. You have to know that when their depression arises or their moods change that it's not by their choice, depression can sometimes take over if you aren't on top of it all the time.
Depression can rob your loved ones of fully enjoying life or engaging in everyday activities. Instead, they may feel sadness, despair and hopelessness. Not surprisingly, their depression affects you, too, as someone who cares about them, whether it's a family member, friend or even a co-worker facing this serious medical condition.
Be tough when they feel weak and lost. Be loving but be tough. For me it helps when I am down that the ones I love are tough and don't baby me all the time. Babying is ok but with depression it can make things get worse. Always tell them how much you care and that you are there for them.
The website below has a great article you should read.
2007-01-12 16:01:20 · answer #2 · answered by Serinity4u2find 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have suffered from serious depression for the last few years, and thankfully am just coming out of it. The best thing to do is to talk, but please be aware that the sufferer does not always want, or understand this. There maybe lots of horrible, and hurtful, things said but this is not done with any malice. It is the lack of rational thinking with a person suffering from depression.
If possible do some Internet searches on depression and learn about the illness, you will be surprised to find that it is not down to any one thing. Encourage the person to see their GP, and get help because it is treatable and there are many things that can be done to help sufferers. Don't put that person down, but offer encouragement with more positive action. If your relationship is serious, you will know what makes them tick - work with the counsellors and you will be able to help - the most important skills are listening and understanding, and being non-judgemental. Don't bring up other people's circumstances, and focus on that person's feelings.
Depression can be overcome, for me I got rid of the previous baggage and moved on through external help, but I wasn't in a relationship at the time. I have now been able to move on and, although I have had medical intervention, have moved on considerably.
2007-01-12 16:28:52 · answer #3 · answered by debzc 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is very very difficult. If someone has a physical injury you can phone the medics and get help no problem but if you try to get help for someone who has a mental problem good look !, especially if the person doesn't want the "services " to get involved. I had to get my wife help against her wishes . I had tried to help her for months as she became more and more depressed, triggered by problems with her parents and brother. She got progressively worse and she was hurting herself, had injured me and we had a young child in the house who got upset when she started screaming and shouting. I asked the psychiatrist who she was eventually referred to how I should deal with her when she was really bad and she suggested that I should leave her to it , go out and give her time to settle down. I said it was difficult because of having our young daughter and I couldn't just go out and leave her . The next thing I knew we were being interviewed by social services who had been informed that there was a child at risk. It is the only time I asked for any advice from any body and got kicked in the teeth like that. Our daughter wasn't taken into care and my wife is a lot better than she was but she will never forgive me for what happened.
2007-01-12 16:04:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on your personality and your relationship, it can be bearable or it can be hell.
The key to helping someone with depression is listening to them. They don't need judgement because they will be their own judge and they will be a tough judge at that!
Counselling is helpful but it's a personal process and they will need to make the decision to go themselves or it will be a waste of time for them.
Just being there with a ready ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on will be helpful.
2007-01-12 17:47:31 · answer #5 · answered by makehaysunshine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Help should always begin and end with yourself.
Try to be available and think of the thing as THEM weathering the storm.
It can be very difficult and stressful. Do not let them drag you down so much that you are ineffective.
If you cannot cope, try and get help.
The obvious kind of help is medical.
2007-01-16 11:03:23 · answer #6 · answered by Sciman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been depressed and lived with someone who was..You cannot do anything to help them out of it.They have to choose to help themselves.Counseling and personal choices will help a great deal..Seeing a Dr. is very good.
2007-01-12 15:45:44 · answer #7 · answered by Sxoxo 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they're depressed but logical, then you talk deeply with them, and really try to underestand whats bothering them and solve it with a verbal solution. Pills are pointless unless you really have a chemical embalance.
If they're depressed in a illogical, bipolar way, pills are probably needed. And a specialist.
2007-01-12 15:38:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it can be really stressfull the key is to be understanding and when the person tells you they have a problem dont go telling them do this or do that or try this or try that, just listen and be there for them they will ask you to solve their problems if needed, eg saying to someone with depression whts wrong pull youself together, negativity will not help,,, hope this helps xxx
2007-01-12 15:47:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Counseling. Support.
2007-01-12 15:37:55 · answer #10 · answered by Shayna 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a downer for the person who is not depressed to live with someone who is. My ex was depressed and what I did to help him was divorce him - now we are both happy:)
2007-01-12 15:37:14 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋