I have a "friend" who I know has severe depression. Over the last decade he has thought about killing him self, but thinks it will be too hard on his mom.
He has decided not to kill himself, but feels very dead and "scared" inside all the time. Nothing frightens him, yet this "Scared" feeling never goes away.
People think he is so funny and happy, but inside he is not, and is too embrassed to seek help. this has been going on for over a decade, and sucide thought happen 1-2 time a week. No one will ever know. Self help is the only option.
If this make sense to you please help.
2007-02-09 13:38:39 · 14 answers · asked by The Brown Bomber 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
very important to eat properly - a balanced diet of fruit and vegetables, juices, don't eat garbage, exercise helps get rid of some energy and takes your mind off things, get life organized and establish healthy accountable friendships with people who care.
2007-02-09 13:43:12 · answer #1 · answered by Gruntled Employee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
More Americans suffer from depression than you think. When i was going through it i was shocked at the number of people that are treated every year and they estimate that even more are depressed but never seek help. Depression is treatable but not if it is hidden and never brought to the light. There are no self help options or he wouldn't need help. Medication helps quite a bit and most dont make you develop a dependence on them. Your best be is to try and convience him to seek professional help. It is a serious problem that many people face and overcome.
2007-02-09 21:47:23 · answer #2 · answered by dodgedifferent01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Avoid trying to offer quick solutions or belittling the persons feelings offer your empathy and compassion for what he is feeling without making any judgments about whether he should feel that way. think we think we're ugly, unlovable, lazy, and worthless and that is probably whats going on every time he has alone time to just think instead of thinkin possitive he is thinkin only negative dont leave him alone he needs someone w/ him everytime a thought comes to mind just listen to his thoughts even if they make no sense, make sure you dont get to involved because you could start feelin just like him. unfortanetly their isnt much he does need to get help from a proffesional but, only if this goes further try helping him first if nothin works try explaining to him that he is not crazy and their is nothing to be embrassed about. dont let him drink to much or do any drugs because that will only make him start thinkin more and feelin worst. right now a true friend is the most helpful thing! im so sorry i know how both of you feel and you will get through this.
2007-02-09 21:57:43 · answer #3 · answered by wierdhid 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally understand your friend's situation. It may be a bit embarrasing for him to admit that he is thinking suicidal thoughts and to seek help. He really needs to see a mental health therapist. I was put on an antidepressant and I feel great now. There is nothing wrong with having these types of feelings. Men are less likely to seek help for these problems, but it is imperative that he sees someone for one-one-one psychotherapy. It feels so good to tell your problems to a person who is unbiased. I was skeptical at first, but I am so thankful that I sought help. If anything, he can "vent" to the therapist and discuss his feelings without anyone judging him. I wish him the best and I know he can eventually make sense of his life. Life is worth living!
2007-02-09 21:49:15 · answer #4 · answered by Jules 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
According to what you told us, there is nothing out there that you could possibly take OTC to even begin to help with your 'friend's' disorder(s). There obviously is no 'self-help' for this. The only thing the 'self' has been doing is suffering with this debilitating disorder for over 10 years. It also sounds like there is some anxiety and maybe even paranoia.
Your 'friend' needs professional help, bottom line. There's no shame in living your life happily, and doing what is necessary to achieve that.
True freedom is living your life, and making decisions that are in your best interest, and not worrying about what others think or feel about it.
2007-02-09 21:48:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you should do everything to make your friend to see some professional help. He might be suffering from depression or maybe panic attacks, or anxiety since he is scared sometimes. Kava- kava is known for its relaxing qualities. It's a herb that you may buy probably everywhere. Kava is said to elevate mood, well-being, and contentment, and produce a feeling of relaxation. Several studies have found that kava may be useful in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and related nervous disorders. It does have a lot of side-effects, like almost every other drug. Instead of this he may also use valerian. He should use some relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, accupuncture, positive thinking.
2007-02-09 21:50:55 · answer #6 · answered by Aneta K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your "friend" MUST seek out professional help if he is at all suicidal, this is VERY important. Thousands of people die every year because they are suicidal and don't get help.
Tell him he needs to take care of his pain and suffering and by going to a good counselor to discuss it can help him greatly. It is all private and confidential, so there is nothing to be embarrassed about at all.
Self help is NOT the option here, I totally disagree with you and you need to understand the serious nature of what is going on here.
2007-02-09 22:10:45 · answer #7 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can only encourage your friend to help themselves ... it is really up to them. activity to take the mind of thinking about oneself helps a lot ... volunteer work I think is great as it makes people realise how well off they really are.
but some people have a chemical imbalance in the brain and only medication will help - they will only know this if they try it. there are natural things like St Johns Wort but this wont work for serious depression
definitely a Good diet will help immensely, plenty of fluids and exercise, keep busy
but the significant thing is only they can help themselves to better health and life ... you can only support and encourage them
2007-02-09 21:50:33 · answer #8 · answered by pixie_proof 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
B vitamans, and st johns wort seems to help some people. also, i agree that excersize helps with mood. however, an antidepressant is probably the best thing for him. i know its so damn hard to try to convince someone to humble themselves and admit they have a problem that may require mental health council....but there a literally millions of us . and i for one owe my life to the therapy i have had, and the meds i take. it really is a chemical imbalance and needs to be treated as such.
you are a good friend:)
2007-02-09 21:50:42 · answer #9 · answered by dali333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend is in desperate need of professional help. Please try to convince him to seek help from a doctor or possibly from counselor at church or school. His mom should be told what is happening also. People who have suicidal thoughts often act on them in times of depression. Don't let this happen to your friend Get him some help now!!!
2007-02-09 21:49:41 · answer #10 · answered by nana 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are so many options, if your friend will talk this over with a physician. There are many medications which could change his life....in the best way possible.
It would break his mother's heart if she knew that he suffered daily in silence. (Chances are she already knows he's not okay.) She would WANT him to get help.
The scared is anxiety. That is VERY treatable. Please urge your friend to see a doctor. His suffering is unnecessary!
2007-02-09 21:50:50 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋