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Help with depression/counseling

dealrme
dealrme
So my uncle is still really depressed since he has been released from prison two years ago. He was on antidepressants while in there too. He had to move back in with my great aunt (his mom) once he was released and has been sad to not be able to live on his own like he was before. People make fun of him at work and around town (small town), and he is always scared he will lose his job. Will counseling help him? I keep telling him he should try it, but he is too embarrassed to tell his story about being arrested, court, jail, etc. It kills me to see him so sad, especially around the holidays. He used to sing and play guitar, but he says he no longer has the desire to. Any advice from anyone who has dealt with similar circumstances with family/friends? Thanks.
questionmar
questionmar
One of the biggest obstacles is saying you need help.

Counseling helped me. My significant other is in counseling and it helps her immensely. She can talk about things she doesn't feel comfortable coming to me with or going to her family.

It helped me realize a lot of underlying things that were holding me back, same with my girl.

It is embarrassing to talk about your offense, no debate on that here.

It may take some time to find the right person to talk to, but I think in this case it would be helpful.
LillyMom
LillyMom
Yes, please urge counseling to your uncle. It's the of few things that can help w/ the burdens of the registy. He has a job and a home, he needs help and support to help him enjoy those blessings = IMHO.
ThoughtAsWeak
ThoughtAsWeak
Counciling and talk to his doctor about meds to level him out. Find a project he can work on to take his mind off things, and gives him a sense of pride when he's done.

I've been volunteering a lot this Christmas, and it's been helping me a lot....
dealrme
dealrme
What about him playing the guitar and singing? Should we encourage that? Kind of like "you can make a dog happy by wagging its tail"?
inthestepsofjesus
inthestepsofjesus
In a way I am kind of in the same boat as he is in. I am currently in counseling and Counseling has helped me IMMENSELY!

One central theme that was discovered in counseling is that despite everything that I am "afraid of" I really have to count my blessings on what I do have currently in which the balance scales favor heavily towards my blessings versus what I am afraid of.

It's still a daily thing for me, that's no doubt.

One day it will "click''.
sallyblue
sallyblue
My husband and I are in couples counselling yet our therapist helps us individually too. Its really embarrassing talking about it but the weight that's lifted after is amazing. The happiest I see him is after counselling. He definitely should be encouraged to play guitar again. It might be daunting at first but he will remember why he enjoyed it. My husband was encouraged to go on his bike again. He didn't want to but after I nudged him to do it along with our therapist he did. He's much happier!
Group Founderwisconsinrsol
wisconsinrsol
I would say a group type counseling would probably be something he should try... I know he has shame and embarrassment, but in a group situation all of them in there are in the same boat. That alone will help him feel not so alone in this world with a label on his forehead.

I am not huge on medication, I believe that diet can really help with that and exercise, as it can help just as much with out all the chemicals. Any hobby will work as they all make a person feel good which is why they enjoy them.