Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
My girlfriend who i love deeply fell into deep drepression. Sleeping too much, not communicating with me or her family much and isolating her self. She refused for the longest to get help from her dr. nd refusing to eat much. finally after calling her mother her parents came down to help she finally got to visit her doctor to regulate her meds which i dont know for sure she is taking . Now she is a custody battle for her kids. She is still suffering depression and emotionally and nearly physically cut me off. should i stay and be supportive or leave? Im trying to be undersanding but its bringing me down emotionally.
Although we have a long way to go in how we view depression, it is very much a medical illness just like heart disease or diabetes. It requires treatment, just the same way other physical illnesses require treatment and a person suffering from depression needs support because just like any other disease, depression can, and often does, lead to death.
It was smart of you to call her mother. Involving her parents was a good choice because you certainly can't be the sole source of support for your partner and your girlfriend needs all the support she can get - therapist, psychiatrist, support group, and if needed partial or inpatient hospitalization.
If you decide to stay with your partner, I would suggest that you get some support for yourself. Helping someone you love through depression is exhausting and you need a safe place to be able to express your concerns, frustrations and whatever other feelings you experience. NAMI (National Association on Mental Illness) even has free support groups all over the US for loved ones who support people with mental illness. Meeting up with other people who are dealing with what you're going through can be super helpful.
If you decide it's time for you to move on, it might be good to contact your girlfriend's mother, so that she will know to step up the support.
Wishing you peace
Terrondt
You sound like a living and caring person. This a tough spot to be in.
Speaking from experience
When you are feeling depressed you tend to isolate yourself to aviod bringing others down as well.
Continue to be supportive
While putting you own health into consideration.
Do yoy live with your Gf?
If you do,
maybe suggest couple counselng.
If she declines. You might want yo consider it for yourself.
Im not saying you have a problem but you did express this affecting you.
I hope things get better.
Take care
No one but the medical profession can cure someone else's clinical depression. The trick is to get the depressed into treatment. I am sure the custody battle is part of the cause, but knowing the cause is not the 'cure'.
From what you have posted ... there is a very serious problem, but the solution is mostly out of your reach.
Considering her 'behavior', it might be best to think about moving on. Depression messes up everyone involved.
By the way, there is a documentary coming out in October about judicial corruption in child custody issues. It's called Erasing Family. Here is the website about it:
https://erasingfamily.org/
I am really sorry that you girlfriend is going through such an emotionally and physically draining situation. I know personally what severe depression and PTSD does to someone, as I have been dealing with it for the past eight years. Not only that, but I have also been on the other side of the coin dealing with a loved one who is severely depressed and physically depleted. That written, I guess the first question that I would ask is, what do you really want out of the relationship long-term? Will you be able to get what you want out of the relationship long-term based on where you have been and where you are now with your girlfriend?
Please know that I will be praying for you and your girlfriend during this time. God Bless You,
KE