my friend (41) has had previous experience of depression, and recently it seems that his symptoms are comming back. He is of course willing to go back to medication if the symptoms persist. what I need to know is that if he says he needs his own space, should i leave him alone or try to be there for him?
btw, this is a long distance relationship!
2007-07-24 04:58:11 · 19 answers · asked by gem 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Respect his privacy but check in often. He needs support but not hovering. If medication has helped before, he is wise to return to his prescriber and restart his medications.
Generally after two or more bouts of major depression, medication should be continued indefinitely to prevent further relapses.
If not, then the medication can become less effective over time and may take more of the drug, or different drugs, or a combination of drugs to accomplish the same effect.
A good question to ask is "How can I be supportive to you right now?"
All the best,
Karen
2007-07-24 05:07:38 · answer #1 · answered by comfortyourheart 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Depressed people need a fine balance of processing data (resting periods) and expiencing (active periods).
Mentally they are not capable of handling too much information, so "space" is needed from time to time. Let him have the space. Sometimes depressed people get better, sometimes never. Being depressed or not is really a personal choice, but they need to realize that themselves. You cannot help anybody whom are not willing to be helped.Also remember that there is a huge difference between being a helper and some whom is only there for the company. The depressed will always say that you're there for the help, so it is up to you to value how much your presence is helping.
2007-07-24 05:05:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give him his space, but be on stand-by in case he needs you. With it being a long-distance relationship, there's not much you can do for him physically, but just make sure you let him know that you're there for him in case you need him. Do you have any way to contact relatives or close friends of his in case it becomes a life-threatening issue? This is the only instance where you really should feel obligated to intervene.
2007-07-24 05:07:08 · answer #3 · answered by charmingasheck 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As long as he is acknowledging he is depressed and willing to go on medication he should be fine. He will come around once he is feeling better. This is just the depression playing out. There is no need for you to be bugging him when you both know he is not himself. Be sure you let him know that you are there for him and he will need to come to you if he wants to talk. Just let him know you are always available to him.
2007-07-24 05:27:47 · answer #4 · answered by zimmiesgrl 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I suffer from depression so I know his symptoms. He needs to take his meds for sure and seek help with a councilor. If you think he is going to harm himself please call some one to go help him since you are not there. Good luck and I pray your friend gets better. As far as leaving him alone I wouldn't cut off all connections completely. Keep checking up on him!
2007-07-24 05:03:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If he says he needs space then give him a little space, but still check up on him. Make sure he knows you are there for him and if he needs anything you will be there for him. Good luck, hope things get better for him.
2007-07-24 05:44:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell him that you'll give him some space if he agrees to call you any time that he feels too depressed or needs someone to talk to. Also, emphasise that you are worried about him, but wish to honor his request. Finally, encourage him to talk to a doctor as soon as possible to help himself out.
2007-07-24 05:02:23 · answer #7 · answered by April W 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it doesn't matter if its a long distance relationship. if someone is depressed the best way to help them is to be there for them. when people are depressed or upset there is no telling what they are capable of doing. i knew three people in my family that commited suicide. but suicide and hurting yourself isn't the answer. so just be there for them and try to help them in whatever way possible. atleast they will know you are there and that you care.
2007-07-24 05:19:33 · answer #8 · answered by gtcutie18 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you should stay friends with him. I understand he says he needs his own space but at least call him once or twice a week to see if he is okay. Deep down inside he wants you to be there for him. I hope your friend gets better. :) All my love to your friend. Someone with that disease needs a friend.
2007-07-24 05:02:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just give him his own space, but don't lose contact with him. Only he can do what is best for him, no one else. It's also very important for him to let him know that he still matters to at least one person.
2007-07-24 05:07:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋