A hobby to help with depression?

Question

I am trying to convince my friend to "get out there" and meet people. She is single, pretty, educated, etc. She has been dealing with depression for several months due to family issues and a job loss. She is seeing a therapist regularly, and is taking an anti-anxiety and anti-depressent. The problems with her family seem to have stabilized (her father had a massive stroke and her mom had to move in with her after the former lost her home). However, she doesn't want to go out...she stays at home and watches t.v., sleeps, plays cards with her mother, or puts around her house. I really want her to get active again because I think it can help her get out of her depression. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I know a hobby that's helped me a lot with this type of problem, but It's just me but GOLF has helped me and it's done wonders.  I know I have a lot to go but at least I get out of the apartment walk outdoors and get some fresh air.  Golf helps in that when im out golfing the only thing I think about is getting that little orb in the hole!  I go to the public course in the late afternoon so I dont pay much and I practice a lot of putting, maybe something similar will help your freind.  

Answer 2

since aerobic exercise is an excellent additional means of reducing depression, get her to join a club in some sport she has interest

Answer 3

There is no time frame for her to get over it. That's the first thing you need to understand. Her dad almost died, yes he is stable now. But learning about what happened to him you'll learn that he could go at any moment still. My grandmother died less than a year after her major stroke. He probably isn't completely the same either and they are all having to learn a new way of life. On top of that, her parents had to move in after they lost everything. That would make me depressed! The situation isn't going to change anytime soon and she's going through a big adjustment period right now. She also lost her job as well? She'll probably need a full year to get back on her feet and put the depression aside. Don't push her. You haven't been where she is and are so lucky as to not fully understand it. The more you push, the more you harm your friendship. Be supportive instead of pushy. She doesn't want to meet people right now. What she going to do with a guy right now? Hi, come see my home.. oh.. these are my parents. Yes, my dad had a stroke. Oh, and you'll have to pay as i lost my job too. Yeah, that makes her want to go out.

Respect her wishes to not want to do these things right now. Respect that this will take time. Respect that she learned that her parents are going to die and with her dad, it could be any time. Respect your friend enough to love and support her and not push. But, i think you should tell her that she might want to get some help as she's got a lot on her plate and would benefit by just talking wiht a councellor. Who can give third party advice without feelings being attached. Then offer that as long as she doen't mind the advice being biased by love, you'll always be there too.  

Answer 4

I know you want to help, and you're a terrific friend, and I can only hope I could have someone that nice to me, however ultimately that's a decision she has to make on her own.

Try meeting some guys and double dating, but don't tell her that part :D Make ti a suprise, just say you two are going out because you need to talk...something like that

If you know her therapist you might be able to have him help you out

good luck dear :]

Answer 5

Maybe you should get her to agree to join you in a self-designed exercise program; yoga, pilates, walking, anything. Exercise has been shown to help alleviate depression. It will get her out of the house without having to meet other people and eventually she may be willing to try other, more social aspects. Good luck.

Answer 6

READ SOMETHING POSITIVE