my boyfriend is suffering from depression ...what can i do to help???

Question

i have been with my boyfriend for about one year and 3 months. my boyfriend is going through depression he feels very low, doesnt want to see anyone or talk to anyone . he was embarassed that i found out he was dealing with it.he was on Medication but didn't seem to be helping. so decided to go back to the doctor and more medication was given it seem to help the first days but now it seems that his getting worst and worst. his frustrated that he doesnt know what to do he would rather sleep and stay in his room because the more he is awake and dong something the worst he feels...he told me to do a search online to help him out but i dont seem to know what to search for. can someone plz help me out i really want to help him out. i would really appreciate it. any suggestions. thx

Answer 1

There is some useful advice here.

Answer 2

For you:

When Someone You Love Has a Mental Disorder :
- Recognize symptoms.
- Become informed.
- Pursue treatment.
- Encourage the sufferer to seek help.
- Avoid placing blame.
- Have realistic expectations.
- Stay Connected.
- Consider the needs of other family members.
- Promote good health practices.
- Take care of yourself.
- Some Warning Signs of Mental Disorders.
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2004/9/8/article_01.htm

For you both:

Understanding Mood Disorders
- Tormented Minds
- Living With a Mood Disorder
- Hope for Sufferers
- How Others Can Help
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2004/1/8/article_01.htm

One's choice of entertainment & reading material definately affects one's state of mind. Care is needed ...

Music That Pleases vs Music That Displeases God
- Making a Wise Choice of Music
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20000601/article_01.htm

Which Movies Will You See?
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2005/5/8/article_01.htm

Why Does God Permit Suffering ...?
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/5/15/article_01.htm

Hope--Where Can You Find It? :
- Does Hope Really Make a Difference?
- Why Do We Need Hope?
- You Can Fight Pessimism
- Where You CAN Find REAL Hope! http://www.watchtower.org/e/20040422/article_01.htm

Why Care About Spiritual Things? :
- Spirituality and Your Well-Being
- A POSITIVE Link
How You Can Satisfy Your Spiritual Needs :
- True Religion Promotes Spirituality
- The Bible---A Reliable Guide to Spiritual Health
- It IS Worth the Effort ...
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20040201/article_01.htm

Alone but Not Lonely :
- Why So Many Lonely People?
- Coping With Loneliness
> When No One Will EVER Feel Lonely Again
- What You CAN Do About Loneliness
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2004/6/8/article_01.htm

I like to keep these pictures in mind, too:

An Inheritance You Can Count On!
"The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth" --How?
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20041001/article_01.htm

There are plenty more upbuilding & helpful reading material on that same Web site. What it has on display are only a small amount of samples of the many other articles & publications that are available in print.

I have chronic severe depression in my history.
I recommend --from experience-- all the suggestions in the above articles. (:

Advanced On-site Search
(In case a link becomes modified, this can be used.) http://watchtower.org/search/search_e.htm

Answer 3

Antidepressant medications combined with professional counseling have proved to be the best treatment. Some antidepressants work better for some people than others, and they don't work immediately. They can take up to a month to improve a person's mood, and they must be taken as ordered to be effective.

Sometimes, for their own well-being and safety, it is necessary to hospitalize depressed patients. I wouldn't be above calling 911 if someone who's depressed started vocalizing suicidal thoughts or intentions. You could be saving their lives.

Also, make sure his doctor knows what he's doing. Some GP's will order an antidepressant for someone who is supposedly depressed and after a couple of doses of the medication, they become manic, because they have bipolar disorder rather than depression. Then you really have to go to the hospital.

If he can afford a psychiatric consultation, that would be the wisest thing to do, or have him go to a public mental health center if you have one in your town. Insist that he get help. Nothing you can say or do will make him "snap out of it". It's very frustrating and damaging to a relationship when the person is unwilling to participate in his own recovery, and you will end up depressed too. Get help one way or another. Good luck to you and your boyfriend.

Answer 4

Most depression medication (usually SSRI's) takes 3 to 6 weeks to have any effect which may be why it was appearing not to help. Something that can be very useful is exercise (at least once every two days) as this help the body to produce serotonin which combats depression. I know that's probably the last thing he feels like doing but I can guarantee he will feel better afterward. Try your best to be supportive and understanding. Good luck.

Answer 5

How long has he been on meds? They usually take like a month to work depending on what medication it is. Maybe its seasonal affective diorder if you live where it gets cold and dark in the winter. He should go on vacation somewhere sunny. Don't stay with him though if he doesn't eventually snap out of it and is bringing you down. I know that sounds cruel but you should look out for your own mental health too.

Answer 6

Cognitive behavioural therapy is one option. The first link explains the principle behind it. I've had depression myself in the past and I'm currently reading a book which you'll find in the second link. I hope this is of help to you. All the best.

Answer 7

Sounds like he might respond to therapy. There is a lot of help out there. He might not respond to one antidepressant, but he may well respond to another. I's abit of trial and error really. Talking therapy would help him to get things off his chest in a safe environement, and may help him sort his problems out. If he is in the UK, he can get free therapy from "Mind", just phone them up and ask for an appointment. Otherwise keep going to your doctor until you get satisfactory help. He could change his doctor.

Answer 8

sounds like he's having guy or woman issues. Does he act this manner at artwork? attempt asking a co-worker of his. If he purely asks this manner around then you certainly probable that's that he purely would not think for you anymore. i understand i've got accomplished this while i grew to become into as quickly as with somebody i did no longer like anymore, if it was once purely me and him i used to be depressing yet as immediately as a pal or relative have been given right here into the image i grew to become into as quickly as happy and talkative. carry out a little detective artwork. that's that he somewhat desires to interrupt it off and did no longer word of ways you will do it so he taken care of you poorly to look might desire to you will possibly harm it off first. Or is may be that he's calling out for help. purely stunning success!!

Answer 9

Is your boyfriend regularly seeking the help of a professional?
i sounds as if he needs regular therapy...sometimes it takes a lot of adjustments in medications to find the one that will help the most.

He certainly needs the help of a mental health expert. Just be there ior him and let him know that you love him!

Answer 10

It is great you are trying to help your boyfriend
and I do not know your area or the city or
town you live
And this is a Sunday if your boyfriend gets any worse
I recommend take him to the closest E.R. Hospital
because they are open 24/7
Otherwise try a hotline for suicide prevention

Answer 11

He's lucky to have a gf like you.
My gf told me i was lame and dumped me for being down a few days in a row.