Someone I know that is suffering from Depression!

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   Johnjfernandoposted 13 years ago

   How do you get someone out of depression. Its actually my brother and I've tried everything to help him get back on his feet. He is happy and good spirited for a bit and on other days, he's confining himself to his room and does not talk to anyone. He doesn't say much about why he's down either and I'm not sure if this is the right area to post this subject, but I did anyways. Please, help!

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      Brenda Durhamposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I hope and pray for good things for your brother. 
      kirstenblog and Theresa both gave good advice.  I've got family members who suffer from depression like you've described; it's really a hard situation.

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2. 78

   kirstenblogposted 13 years ago

   As someone who has suffered extreme depression I would say, you cannot make him feel better. You may be able to help him feel better but he has to be ready for it. You don't know why he is having this problem and so you can't fix whatever it is that is causing this. The best thing you can do is simply be there for him, let him know that you care, that you want to be there for him if he wants to talk, or if he wants something else. A good friend who is patient wit you when you are depressed is worth their weight in gold. I had a few friends like that and their acceptance of me as I was meant the world to me. I had had self confidence problems and over time that improved because of my good friends who somehow managed to convince me they actually did like me
   
   Don't expect that you can 'cure' your brother but let him know you care and want to help. Don't push but if you do see warning signs, don't be afraid to seek professional advice. All the best to you (((hug)))

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3. 78

   Theresa_Kennedyposted 13 years ago

   Understanding depressive disorders will be helpful. Sometimes when we are sad about something that has happened, we say "I'm so depressed about this situation." Often in grief, we can feel depressed for a long time.
   
   Clinical depression on the other hand, is different than feelingdepressed. When someone has a depressive disorder, it has nothing to do with something that has happened, and there is no reason to easily explain why they are depressed. It's possible that your brother fits into this category, especially since he is happy sometimes and then has unexplained depressive behaviors at other times.
   
   If this is the case, I highly and strongly suggest he see his doctor right away. Depression is often caused by a chemical imbalance in the body, and the right anti-depressant can help someone get back on track. Therapy is also useful in treating depression.

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   Greek Oneposted 13 years ago

   if you had an illness that involved an arm or a leg, wouldn't you go to a doctor?
   
   Isn't the brain even more important?

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   PurvisBobbi44posted 13 years ago

   Yes, Greek One is correct he should go to a doctor. There might be a simple solution to his problem, or he could be chemically depressed. My cousin was and now she is like her old self once again.

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   MikeNVposted 13 years ago

   Yes rush immediately to the Doctor, he clearly has  Paxil Deficiency, or perhaps a Zoloft deficiency, or it could be a Cymbalta Deficiency.
   
   Chemical imbalance in the brain for sure.
   
   Except for one little "catch".
   
   There is no way to measure what is the "correct" balance of chemicals in the brain.  Not one test.  No MRI, no XRay, no CT, no Bloodwork, no test at all that can verify a chemical imbalance in the brain.  Doctors do not even know the proper mix of chemicals in the brain.
   
   So how does one treat an imbalance that can not be measured?
   
   Well the Answer is the DSMIV and soon to be DSMV.  A book of made up diagnosis and their chemical treatments.
   
   Hallalughalahuahaah!
   
   The answer comes in a pill!

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7. 64

   Greek Oneposted 13 years ago

   Medical science is not perfect.. never has been and never will be...
   
   Psychology and Psychiatry, being relatively newer areas of study, are also not perfect..
   
   Even if they were, individual doctors, being human (and having different training), will not be perfect...
   
   but if I or someone I know was dealing with a medical issue, and mental illness is a medical issue, I would not wait for a minute to get them the help they need.
   
   That help, based on an analysis, may or may not include medicine in the form of a pill

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      Aficionadaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      +1 for your answer, Greek One!  Well said!
      
      @Johnjfernando, one more thing I would add: you need to consider the age of your brother too.  I know a young man who was treated for depression in his late teens.  The professional who treated him commented that depression can be different for boys and girls at that age - it's more unusual for boys to have clinical depression at that age. 
      
      And if treated appropriately with medication at that time, then the medication does not necessarily have to be continued over the long term.
      
      That is an age when there is continuing physical development of the brain. So, if there is a chemical imbalance at that time, it can be highly important to have a competent medical professional diagnose and treat it.
      
      That is not to dismiss the importance of checking out depression at other ages, but instead to underscore how important it may be at that age.
      
      As I understand it, the earlier depression is treated once it shows up in an individual, the more likely it is that there will be a positive outcome.

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   knolyourselfposted 13 years ago

   As God's psychiatrist, I am prohibited from proscribing drugs. Of what help would be drugs
   in God's understanding of self? God is off the
   meds again. There is an excuse.

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