Dealing with Depression???

[Joe(TX)]

I have a friend who has severe bouts of depression. And it is hard for me to talk to him about it! This person has in the past been to the doctors both M.D.'s and Psychiatric Doctors. Medicine may and may not work......He has tried this too............Since he is the private, quiet type many people do not realize to what extent his depressions are at! In his depressed states he retires to himself and hardly comes out of his house for much of anything. Only his family or his closest friend will realize when one of these bouts is going on and try to help him even if it is only a little bit of humor. Prayer is needed! Also what other options are available via internet, phone, anything.........?????? Are their any forums specifically that can really deal with this issue????? Thanks Joe

[Gregory]

Hi Joe,
I myself am against medication for treating such disorders. My advice would be to seek spiritial help. Ask him to join a church and to be active in the church also have him talk this over with the pastor. Get him active in metal detecting, he needs to do things to keep his mind busy. Sitting at home is the worse thing he could do. Talk with him about the good times.

Good luck and I bet he can pull through this with a little guidense from you.

Greg

[JoAnne]

There is tons of help out there for depression. Do a serach at google.com. Put in depression and self help etc and you will find many places to check for help. There are even places where you can talk to professionals and also find some support groups. Good luck. Depression runs in my family so I know what you are talking about. I wish your friend the best of luck and know that with a friend like you he will hopfully be able to get the support he needs. I will put him on my prayer list and will also thank God that you are his friend. JoAnne

[gordiesgirl]

Although I agree medicine does not solve the problem. I also know that depression also has physical pain as well at mental torment. Most psycholigist want to perscribe meds right away. Has your friend been to other Drs or alternative Drs. There are herbal remedies, Yoga, and chiropractic practices that also treat depression. Activities are wonderful such as metal detecting, but don't be surprised that your friend doesn't want to do anything. I will pray for your friend I hope things get better.

[julieburger]

I used an accupuncturist who was also a medical doctor and he was wonderful. He would use some older mild medications but only if the case was severe enough. I will pray for him.

[PAPPY]

Your Friend WILL be in our prayers

[Toadie]

I am very familiar with dealing with bouts of depression being diagnosed as a Major Bipolar myself. (Or as it used to be called, Manic Depressive.) I looked at my situation and decided I wasn't going to let it control my life. How did I try manage mine at first??? I tried the meds at first, but the side effects were far worser than dealing with my problem. Lithium ruins the liver, Ritlan causes strokes.. Xanex is habit forming ect. I soon learned there is no magic pill.

Greg and everyone else is right. He needs to get involved in activities that help take his mind off his problems or cope with them in a more orderly fashion. Like church and community activities. These helped, so I became a volunteer firefighter and a search and rescue member, along with knapping and becoming more involved with my kids. I already was MDing. The main secret to it all is to pace yourself and not push yourself to total exhaustion trying to do it all at once. Especially when you find several things you enjoy.

I also have my wife to thank for being there for me through the tough times. Until I "found my groove" I was a total pain to deal with. I was belligerent, withdrawn, paranoid etc.

From my personal experience, when someone from "the outside" suggests ideas and things, the person suffering normally withdraws even more. They hear you just fine and are probably thinking about what you are saying. Just mention it once and let it lay. They can even sometimes come to loath the ones trying to help them if they pressure the person suffering. I know I did at first. So be tactful in your approach and do not press the issue if you are trying get them to come out of their shell. Being their friend, you should know what peaks their interests. Plan activities around that and slowly present similar interests for them to try. If they like History for example, try MDing and Arrowhead hunting. If they like Indian Artifacts, get involved in knapping and try bowyering.. There are several things that are outlets for the frustration but when you end up with something for your efforts, it makes it very rewarding.

Remember one other thing too.. It may take days, weeks or even years for them to make a come back. There are support groups (if you can get them out of the house) that they can attend. But the first major step is for that person to acknowledge they have a problem with depression. Then it is slow going from there.

I wish you the best of luck and am letting you know this is my point of view on the matter, since I have been on both sides of the fence, so to speak.
I just hope I threw out some little something that may help you help your friend.

James

[anne]

With a friend like you,he already has wonderful support,keep up the good work,just be there to listen when he wants to talk and don't be afraid of silences.
Finding something that you could do together would be really good for him.
Thinking and praying for you both.

[pris]

Joe, you and your friend will be in my prayers. I know it must be difficult to see him go through this and feel powerless against it. Just remember that each day brings a new chance to make a difference. Toadie gives excellent advice. Just keep reminding him he's not alone. You're a good guy.

[Hyponizer]

Exercise has been proven to help depression..
Exercise and depression - WebMD

Eating a healthy balanced diet along with certain foods can also help. Here are a few excellent articles..
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/heal...ion/brain-food
The top five foods for beating depression