Have you or a close friend suffered and recovered from depression?

Question

My friend is severely depressed and has all of the symptoms of depression: loss of weight, lack of interest in anything, drinking alcohol to temporarily numb the pain even though he really doesn't like drinking, sleeping irregularly, nightmares, suicidal thoughts. He's finally accepted that there's something not quite right and has made to see a therapist next week because genuinely wants to get better. In his words he just "feels like he's going crazy".

I'd really like to understand depression a lot better from someone who has or is suffering from it or has known someone who's has. Feel free to message me or post here.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Maybe he just needs financial help!  Many people also feel this way when they feel they are at wits END!  I see this so often!  Think I'm crazy?  It's true! and the worst thing is some are too afraid to say yes to someone giving, or too much pride to ask.  In reality they need some assistance with no strings attached.  I see this SO OFTEN!!!!!!  They see no alternative, that there is no help, they feel they have nothing to offer anyone else.  I had someone pay my entire credit card balance without my knowledge with no strings attached, I had no idea it was done till after my following statement came in, he said NOTHING, just paid it.  Money isn't everything but debt can drive you INSANE!

Do something annoymously and never tell that person what you did.  That way they feel no strings are attached.

Answer 2

My intention with this answer is not to scare you but when were discussing depression and what happens to people who are suffering from depression it becomes very scarey once we learn about the facts.

First of all, Depression along with suicide is no stranger to my family. When I first read this I thought you'r must be a friend of my 29 year old cousin who sounds EXACTY like you friend, She say's she wants to feel better but does not  know how, and she is drinking alcohol even though she is not a drinker.

I would really like you to know that this is very real and when one is depressed any little thing that happens in their lives feels like another rock piled on the mountain of things they can not deal with.

As to your question of what can you do to help. The only thing you can do is listen and talk. Don't try to fix him but help him find the answers himself using open ended questions. An open ended question is for example, Tell me about how you are feeling today? (making him be descriptive) as apose to a close ended quesion, example, are you feeling any better today? Yes/No answer. When he describes how he is feeling listen to every detail and follow up with what he is telling you. There is a reason he is so very depressed, a failed relationship, mounting bills, and so on however, one can not get better without medication which provides more seritonin to be released to the brain, counciling, which helps him find the core of the problem, and good friends such of yourself who want to be there for him. Make him talk, make him get out of the house, and watch for those suicidal tendencies which are sometimes hard to pick out. Remember this, if you suddenly see him happy and raring to go BEWARE, he may have a plan for suicide and when one makes this decision, they become relieved! They feel as though a weight has been lifted, so watch for those signs. Also, Find out if he has made a plan for suicicde. Ask him have you thought of how you would do it if you decided to end your life? and if he starts telling you in detail a plan, take him to the nearnest hospital or mental health facility. You may save his life. I could go on and on but with a combo of personal experincence and education, I am well aware of what depression can lead to. My sister killed herself as she COMPLETED suicide. I thought I had no signs however, now after education, I know I did have many signs. I wish you the best of luck and keep me posted.

Answer 3

i am 52 years old i have suffered from depression for most of my life. i finally saw a psychistrist when i tried to commit suicide for the third time. that was 7 years ago. after i was put on med for it i am doing great. i take lexapro once every day. i can't even remember what life was like before i started treatment for depression. i spent 6 days in a psych ward. my family sees a big difference in me. i am glad that your friend has decided to take the step to get help for his problem of depression. he will find that his life has a whole different outlook once med has gotten into his system (usually takes about 6-8 weeks). what he will need is a good support system i hope that you will be part of the system for him.

Answer 4

God is my strength, he's my rock and salvation. Trust him!!