Dealing with Depression???

[Red Raider]

Both my step daughter and step son are bipolar and I can tell you this-it is a physical/chemical problem. Not spiritual, not mental. And it can be deadly. The same goes for depression. You don't think happy thoughts and it goes away. It takes counseling and medication. There are a lot of medications out there, you just need to find the right one. Just my 2 cents

[ERnurse]

Hey Joe. Having been an ER nurse for so long, I see the serious stage of depression alot. I don't usually give medical advice hear unless someone PM's me with a question or I see something serious. But as you may know, the first thing is to figure out how serious your friend's situation is. Is he having any suicidal thoughts, or destructive thoughts. The suggestions so far on this forum are right on. Spirital, physical, and medications all play a part and are very important. But, if his is in, or ever gets in a state of potential self harm or harm to others, inpatient treatment has to been done to break the cycle, then medications can be adjusted, then church and activities to keep him busy will absolutly help. But as his friend, knowing what you know about him, you could truly save his life by getting him help. Now realise, I'm talking about the serious cases of depression. There are many levels, and many people do just fine with a little help. But believe me, they all need help. Be it from church, friends, activities, medications, or professional. The best time to help is early, because it can be a downward spiral, and it's much harder to get up when your at the bottom. I hope this helps, and I will be praying for him.


Rob

[TwoDogsBob]

I myself suffer from depression so I'm speak from the first person here. I didn't realize what the problem was till I took my father in for a checkup and the doctor recognized it in him and asked me if I also suffered from it.. I can tell you folk, when the dark clouds gather and everything in life makes you anxious for no logical reason it's a terrible feeling.
There were days where all I wanted to do was stare at the ground, it's debilitating and painful. Mine is caused by a chemical imbalance and no amount of prayer is going to solve that problem, sorry I'm a spiritual person but I also believe that God is there to help those who take the first step by themselves..
I take a low dose of a medication, much lower than what was originally perscribed because I didn't like the effects but it works. Rarely do I have days when everything spirals down and because of this I am able to go out, metal detect, fish, do my artwork, and get back into life again. I also get lots of exercise, do yoga and meditation which has helped as well.
I don't want to sound like one of the BS adds on TV but again I'm speaking from the first person here, not "I know a friend who" and unless you have seen the dark side of depression personally you can't possibly understand how nasty it is...
Just my two dog bits worth.

[Joe(TX)]

Hey, What is wrong with............."I know a friend who"..................Sorry but what I know is what I know........................My friend is doing a lot better, he decided that it is not good to withdraw and is coming out of his shell. That is to be more social or at least to get out of the house and do anything to get his mind off his circumstances. Sometimes that means taking risks and not letting the weather dictate one's mood. Such as to be blue because it is raining...................it is better to get out into the rain and get wet and have fun than to be depressed! Thanks for all the advise and..................... please keep it coming! Depression can be an On and Off Again Ailment! Thanks, "Joe Packing for Michigan"

[TwoDogsBob]

Whoa whoa whoa, my point was I was making a comment from personal experience, there is nothing wrong with "I know a friend who"...
Screw it, I'm heading for Michigan too.... Bye guys..

[Joe(TX)]

TwoDogsBob...................Thanks for the comments from your personal experience.................Some people have a hard time about talking and dealing with their depression and their feelings concerning this subject!. It is apreciated to hear it said straight forward from someone who has been there!...............Thanks Again...................No Offense was meant!!!!!..................And maybe I'm a bit sensitive on this subject. I REALLY want to help my friend but I grew up with a father who always said that depression was a "WEAKNESS", so I have to constantly fight this voice in my head. Because I know better, Depression is an attack, an ailment and needs to be dealt withaccordingly!!............."Joe Packing for Michigan"