I recently decided to take a break with my boyfriend because he acts depressive and projects his negative feelings onto me (constant criticism, never wants to do anything, etc.) and nothing I ever do makes him happy. I have been trying to convince him to go see a psychiatrist or counselor, because I don't think he can pull himself up on his own. Obviously, I can't do much to help since I seem to be one of the things that makes him depressed/angry. However, he does not want to get help, saying that he just doesn't want to go or doesn't have the money. How do you convince someone that they need to get help for depression? Regardless of whether or not I continue to date him I still care for him and want him to be happy.
2007-11-29 08:38:53 · 4 answers · asked by jellybean24 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I have to agree with hngland you really cannot force him to get help. But possibly, if you can, talk to him and tell him that if he wants that you will stay with him through the appointments. If he still doesn't want help then you make the decisions from there but if he agrees to go or at least try then be supportive and tell him that you are with him every step of the way. Good luck
2007-11-30 01:46:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a hard one.
You can't make him get help, all you can do is provide him with information.
And, in the end, he may never get help. Saying he doesn't have the money or time is just an excuse. When he's ready for help, he'll go. But he may have some extremely bad times while he's waiting for being ready.
Denial is a classic symptom of mental health disease -
Wanting him to be happy is noble, but you can't do it for him. Establishing boundaries is healthy for you, too.
2007-11-29 08:44:11 · answer #2 · answered by deYoung 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about just encouraging him to see his regular physician for a physical? He might feel there's a stigma or weakness in seeing a counselor, for "mental" issues, but a internist or general practicioner would rule out physical issues first. Some illnesses like diabetes can cause lethargy/listlessness- so perhaps his demeanor has a physical cause.
2007-11-29 08:55:53 · answer #3 · answered by GEEGEE 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All you can do is break up with him because of it. That will motivate him more than trying to mommy him. The more you act like his therapist, the more he will resent you. YOU CANNOT CHANGE PEOPLE, let him take responsibility for his own life and problems.
2007-11-29 09:38:23 · answer #4 · answered by lovelysmurf 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋