My girlfriend is suffering from depression... how do I treat her "illness"?
482882
When depression strikes, the depressed person isn't the only one affected. Everyone around them -- family, friends, and co-workers -- feels the impact.\n\nHelping a loved one cope with depression can be key to his or her recovery. But it isn't always going to be easy. Here are some tips.\n\n\n\nGet the facts. The first thing you should do is learn more about depression. Read up on its causes and treatments.\n\n\nGet other people involved. You can't do this alone. Your friend or loved one may want you to keep his or her depression a secret. But that isn't healthy. It puts far too much pressure on you. So try to get a small circle of family and friends to help. That way, you can help look after your loved one together.\n\n\nAsk what your loved one needs. Be direct. Unless you ask, you just won't know what your friend or loved one wants from you.\n\n\nDon't try to solve the problem on your own. Your loved one needs professional help to get better. Depression is a real illness. You wouldn't try to cure a friend's diabetes on your own. You shouldn't try curing depression either.\n\n\nOffer to help with the practical things. People who are depressed are easily overwhelmed. Everyday stuff -- dressing the kids for school, grocery shopping, or laundry -- may feel like too much. So pitch in. Sometimes practical help can make a big difference.\n\n\nTake time for yourself. Taking care of someone who is depressed can be overwhelming. So it's key that you set aside time for yourself. Do things that you enjoy. Get out of the house on a regular basis. Take walks or go to the gym. Catch a movie or dinner with friends.\n\nGiven what your loved one is going through, you may feel guilty or selfish for thinking about yourself. But taking care of yourself is crucial. If you don't, you'll burn out -- and that won't help either of you.\n\n\nKnow your limits. There is a lot you can do to help your loved one. But you can't do everything. You can't make your loved one well. You can't watch him or her 24 hours a day. These things aren't in your power. In the end, your loved one has to want to get better, too.\n\n\nTake threats seriously. Suicide is a very real risk of depression. If your friend or loved is threatening to commit suicide, take action. Don't leave the person alone. Remove any weapons or large amounts of medication. Call a suicide hotline or your loved one's therapist. In a crisis, don't hesitate to call emergency services. You can't keep something this serious a secret.\n\n\nI hope that helps, all the best to you and your gf!I went through a bout of depression, but didn't really tell my friends: I knew that they would say 'just cheer up!' or 'just don;t think about it' or 'snap out of it'... Those are actually the worst things you can say to someone who is depressed, as it makes them feel even worse that they cannot make themselves 'snap out of it'. I would advise you just to be there for her to talk to and do things with... and don't give up on her!
929816
You need to sit her down and discuss it with her. If she's worth every ounce of energy you have left, that's something SHE should know..tell her. Ask her why she gets in those ...is moods a good word?.......You have to communicate how you feel and what your thinking to her,....then she will let out what she's keeping in, then you guys can get back down to business. But you HAVE to talk to her about it. Women will not tell you what's wrong, you have to wheedle it out of them....it's not that they are being mean, that's just their nature. Trust me talk with her about it, be patient and LISTEN, and she will tell you everything.
596614
You really do care for your girl...!!!\n\nShe probably hails from a very disturbed background. I think she is insecure not only about herself but also about her relationship. And I also think that she lacks self confidence.\nThere are a lot of things that you have not mentioned, that is how old is she and what is she doing...??\nFor her to get over the habit of not working well with people she needs to work on projects that have to be done in groups.\n\nConstantly encourage her to do things that involve her participation and that involve her interaction with lots of people.\nShe also needs your constant support and love. And if this does not work then you need to take her to a pshycologist.
27905
Just support her.  Tell her that you love her and want her to get better.  She might not want to know more about her illness.\n\nGet well soon for your daughter.
811271
end the relationship now while she is in a place that will help her learn to cope with it. you can not let her use her illness and  your relationship as a crutch. im a nurse and a lot of mental illness personalitys tend to manipulate. she will make you stay with her. you are young and need to get on with your life.
632180
Be open an honest with serious communication. Reassure her of your love and always say things that uplift her and try to always see the positive side of any and all situations no matter how bad they maybe.
638719
You would have broken up even if you weren't sick.. She was honest with you and obviously she doesn't wish to support you in your bad times. You must feel very bad now. I think it's better like this, because if she was supporting you, she wouldn't have been honest with you..(and she would break up when you feel better)..Try to search the support of your friends and family or even a psychotherapists. \n\nI'm sorry to hear you're ill - have you considered to start with macrobiotics?
849048
Sounds like your girlfriend isn't really in a "fun" mood right now, friend. Honestly, just be there for her. There is nothing you can say or do to help her get over such serious traumas, so always be ready to lend an ear or a hand. I promise this is help you guys get closer, and by the time she's ready to move on with her life, you'll have a better relationship than you would have without any og this.
682885
Advise her to go to therapy, and as support, go with her. Remember that people with this disease are sensitive, so be careful. And always let her know that her illness is a disease and she can be cured with time and the right help.Take very good care, and let her know how much you care.
527926
Dear Carer, Having dealt with this illness myself, I would firstly encourage you.It is no small 'task' to assist and care for someone with this condition. Yet in spite of it all, you haven't given up, for he is indeed the man you love.\n\nI don't know where you live, so I'm sending this from Australia,and an email address where you can receive a printout, or you can read,[if you have no printer]\n\nemail: mha@mentalhealth.asn.au   or look up their website: \n       www.mentalhealth.asn.au \n\nThe printout is in the form of 14 pages, and for you it will not be 'difficult' reading, as it is structured for the carer and the sufferer as well.\nShould he also suffer from Depression, which complicates the illness a little, you also can download the 'Depression' pages as well.\nBeing a man, and dealing with Dads in Distress,I am the first to say that with men it is a challenge, but do-able.\n\nEncourage him to go with you or a trusted friend to see a Dr.and be reassesed for his sake, [not just yours], because you love him.\n\nPerhaps find the reason he went off the meds, and begin there,\nfor it seemed to be working for him. But, he needs to find a Dr that will set up continued visits, say once each 3 weeks.\n\nAlso find in your area where you can best receive the assistance you need.Take care. sc
546484
I am a licensed mental health professional and while I certainly would never diagnose you online, I do think other writers are on the right track.  What you are describing really does correspond with symptoms of depression. The good news is that this is a common and very treatable illness.  While you don't want to go to the doctor, you need to remember that depression (or any type of mental illness) is nothing to be ashamed of.  If you were diabetic would you hesitate or be embarassed to seek treatment?  Heck I'm a professional and have experienced depression. I got the help I needed and moved on with my life.  There are so many new medications and other options you can speak with a professional about.  This is all about taking care of yourself and getting the most you can out of life.  I would recommend getting a referral for a practitioner who has some experience in treating depression.  If money is an issue, almost all communities have free or low cost resources. In the mean time, try to share what is going on with your boyfriend and other people you trust.  Let them be there for you.  If you want to talk please feel free to contact me.  My email is jazzy_59602@yahoo.com.
966975
I'm not a good talker,but when i met my friend on the sick bed,i told her to be strong and and gave her a good head massage.Tell her/him that your love is there and you'll always be there if she needs you.The sickness will go,but your love and care are forever.
319074
Well...it is good that the person has stopped complaining. I don't know what the situation is, but people should never thank that there is no hope because that is not true. The only time there is no hope is if we dwell on the problem and don't do anything to resolve the problem. \n\nThere is always hope. Your support is always helpful. Let her know that you care and are concerned for her. \n\nI would also suggest that she go get some counseling because often times, when people lose hope, they start to think about suicide. \n\nKeep in mind, you can tell her anything you can think of to tell her, but it is strictly up to her to break that spell that is binding her. \n\nBe positive. Don't offer pity because she will just thrive on that and it makes the problem worse. Be empathetic though. Let her know you understand the problem and you understand how she feels, but she just has to get up and get moving and stop feeling so sorry for herself and I would also recommend recommending counseling to her.
250425
YES!!! Be honest and tell her that you are only saying what you feel. Be supportive and help her -- maybe join a gym together, pick up a new pastime you can both do (biking, hiking, a new sport) or go for walks after dinner everynight.
676366
When depression strikes, the depressed person isn't the only one affected. Everyone around them -- family, friends, and co-workers -- feels the impact.\n\nHelping a loved one cope with depression can be key to his or her recovery. But it isn't always going to be easy. Here are some tips.\n\n\n\n      Get the facts. The first thing you should do is learn more about depression. Read up on its causes and treatments.\n\n\n      Get other people involved. You can't do this alone. Your friend or loved one may want you to keep his or her depression a secret. But that isn't healthy. It puts far too much pressure on you. So try to get a small circle of family and friends to help. That way, you can help look after your loved one together.\n\n\n      Ask what your loved one needs. Be direct. Unless you ask, you just won't know what your friend or loved one wants from you.\n\n\n      Don't try to solve the problem on your own. Your loved one needs professional help to get better. Depression is a real illness. You wouldn't try to cure a friend's diabetes on your own. You shouldn't try curing depression either.\n\n\n      Offer to help with the practical things. People who are depressed are easily overwhelmed. Everyday stuff -- dressing the kids for school, grocery shopping, or laundry -- may feel like too much. So pitch in. Sometimes practical help can make a big difference.\n\n\n      Take time for yourself. Taking care of someone who is depressed can be overwhelming. So it's key that you set aside time for yourself. Do things that you enjoy. Get out of the house on a regular basis. Take walks or go to the gym. Catch a movie or dinner with friends.\n\n      Given what your loved one is going through, you may feel guilty or selfish for thinking about yourself. But taking care of yourself is crucial. If you don't, you'll burn out -- and that won't help either of you.\n\n\n      Know your limits. There is a lot you can do to help your loved one. But you can't do everything. You can't make your loved one well. You can't watch him or her 24 hours a day. These things aren't in your power. In the end, your loved one has to want to get better, too.\n\n\n      Take threats seriously. Suicide is a very real risk of depression. If your friend or loved is threatening to commit suicide, take action. Don't leave the person alone. Remove any weapons or large amounts of medication. Call a suicide hotline or your loved one's therapist. In a crisis, don't hesitate to call emergency services. You can't keep something this serious a secret.\n\n\nI hope that helps, all the best to you and your friend!I went through a bout of depression, but didn't really tell my friends: I knew that they would say 'just cheer up!' or 'just don;t think about it' or 'snap out of it'... Those are actually the worst things you can say to someone who is depressed, as it makes them feel even worse that they cannot make themselves 'snap out of it'. I would advise you just to be there for her to talk to and do things with... and don't give up on her!
959384
Be there for them when they need to talk about their issues and when you have had all you can take - do something for yourself like a bubble bath, gardening or go for a walk. Something YOU enjoy - to take your mind off their problems.\nBTW. Do not feel bad if you have to tell them you can not take any more right now.
730337
Hey John!\nShe should be no more your girl friend or something like that.\nHowever, she needs proper mental, physical and psychalogical treatment, it should be continued to recover her.