What is Depression Supporters
This community is dedicated to spouses, children, relatives, co-workers and others who are actively supporting someone suffering from depression or other serious mental illness. De...
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My mom has been severely depressed, along with having severe anxiety for over a year now. She is to the point where just about all she can do is pace the house, or sit on the couch. She is just a shell of who she used to be. It is hard for me, but I live across the country from her, and am not able to be with her right now. I talk to her on the phone several times a week, but I just want to know what to say that will help her!
My family that lives near/with her is helping her, and she just recently started taking antidepressants. I wish I knew how I could help until they start to take effect! Do I call her every day, and ask her to tell me one positive thing? Do I just talk about things that are going on to keep her from focusing on herself? Do I encourage her to talk about her feelings, or just encourage positive thinking? I would like to talk to a psychologist just to get ideas of ways to help her, but I'm not sure if they only deal with patients, and not family members. Any advice/tips/thoughts from people who have dealt with depression? What has your family done that has made a difference? Or any advice from other family members with a suffering loved one? Thanks! Posted on 10/26/09, 03:10 pm |
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My best friend is my sounding board. Even when I am so depressed I haven't gotten out of bed, she sends me a text every day, just checking in to see how I am. When I'm up to it, I email her my feelings of self doubt, self-loathing, etc. And she is somehow unflaggingly positive. When I beat myself up for only having brushed my teeth as my accomplishment for the day, she says, good for you, you brushed your teeth! I am not exaggerating. It's not that what she says specifically makes me feel better, it's that she truly believes in me and believes unfailingly that with treatment I will get better. It's hard to support yourself when you are severely depressed. Knowing someone believes you will be better is such a huge help. 
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