My boyfriend and I recently determined that he is likely suffering from depression. He has likely had some form of depression his whole life, but this episode appears to be related to job issues and resulting layoffs. He has moved out to try and work out his issues in his own space, focusing on doing some writing and getting back to his spiritual side. However, from all the reading I have been doing, it would appear that he should be seeking some form of professional help. But due to a past incident with a family member, he has no trust in the medical profession and will not even go to a doctor for a physical ailment. So:
(1) What can I do to try and convince him he needs professional help?
(2) What can he do to lessen the depression without therapy / medication?
2007-07-11 08:16:41 · 5 answers · asked by KLB 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I have suggested counselling, and he refuses. He feels that talking everything out is not helpful, that therapists practise junk science when what he really needs is spirituality. And I would suggest faith-based counselling, except he isn't a member of any particular faith.
2007-07-11 08:28:09 · update #1
I would give him a depression workbook. It identifies causes of depression and ways to eliminate it. Look for one in a bookstore.
I give workbooks to clients. They like them and benefit from them.
2007-07-11 08:29:29 · answer #1 · answered by Max 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get information about depression and how to help. If he trusts in you then tell him in an informative way what you think he should do and how you can help him. Hope he will listen and act, he may not, or not follow through. Take care of yourself too, don't get dragged into a situation you won't be able to deal with. He needs to recognize he needs to address what's going on and do something about it.
2007-07-11 15:29:58 · answer #2 · answered by RT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Suggest that you go with him. You don't even have to be in the room throughout the counseling session but at least he'll know that you are right there if he needs you. Tell him that you will schedule the appointment and all he has to do is give it a try.
2007-07-11 15:25:37 · answer #3 · answered by Summer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please ask your boyfriend to go to Yahoo search and look under "The Last Temptation of George Petrie". It is my story of my downward spiral into depression. I was too smart for medications or therapy. I have my MD. You would think I would know better but denial is part of the disease. best wishes
2007-07-11 15:37:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
take him to a regular dr and let them advise him.
2007-07-13 20:05:21 · answer #5 · answered by beachy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋