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.

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Dedicata 03/16/2018

hello everyone..

im having a lot of trouble right now. My SO is very depressed. Has a hard time communicating with me. Seems disinterested in me.. the things i have to say.. my life. Can be insensitive and rude sometimes. Sometimes he realizes how hes acting and apologizes profusely.. saying how he feels so angry and hopeless at times and that he feels like he acts like a completely different person.. feels that way. And is overall very bitter and angry about even the smallest things.. albeit he has reason to be unhappy with his home life. On some days he is incredible. Warm, affectionate.. himself. I know he needs space sometimes.

I was wondering... from those who have depression. What can i do to help my SO. I dont want to abandon them.. its really hard sometimes tho. I dont want to bring up how much hes hurting me... but isnt communication important? I dont know. Help!

robotnik 03/16/2018

Google around. I found these 2 but there were more results:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/ART-20045943

http://www.psyweb.com/articles/depression/how-to-help-a-depressed-family-member

Ms.901996C 03/16/2018

I think the most important thing I can tell you is not to give up on him.
It's important to know that you'll be there if he needs you but also to give him space when he needs alone time.
It's a tough balancing act. It helps to re-assure him that if you'll always be there if he ever needs anyone to talk to.

Bobby5000 03/16/2018

Men tend to withdraw while many women will talk about their feelings. I would first try to get him to talk, reserve opinions, and let him express his feelings and frustrations. That may help. Then try to gently discuss what he can do constructively, and approach problems.

Dedicata 03/16/2018

Thank you so much everyone!

Dynamaniac 03/19/2018

Keeping giving him a safe place to express himself. Let him know he is loved and that you are there whenever he needs you. Does he go to any sort of therapy or counseling? Perhaps when he is in a receptive mood, you could suggest going together. If nothing else, it could help you to seek counseling for yourself so that you can learn how to be supportive. Remember that depression is not a choice, it's an illness. It's an illness that requires treatment, sometimes with drugs and other times just with counseling. It is so important to be supportive of him, but it also important to learn more about it so that you can learn how to be supportive. I think you have made a great start by posting here. Take care of yourself so that you can take care of him.

TotalRegret 03/19/2018

Seriously, the best way to help him is to look after your own well-being - mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Depression destroys relationships. It destroys families. And it does so because it ensnares everyone, not just the individual with the depression. If you want to help him, take care of yourself!

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