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Loved one suffering in depression

If a loved one is suffering from depression, what is the best way to help them to see it, admit it, and reach out for help?

Is it ever a good idea to suggest medication? ...or does that only provoke?

I am pretty sure it is depression...

Here are some of the symptoms i am seeing:

angry outbursts

blaming others

not seeing own faults

heavy drinking

withdrawing oneself

hates own life

continually nitpicks at people--excessive nagging

I guess I really want to know if suggesting medication will provoke, or help?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and biblical advice. I really don't know what to do.

Blessings, Carla

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Permalink Reply by janet walker on April 14, 2012 at 6:26pm

This is excellent advice, Desmond. Those that are living with someone with depression is as affected by the disease as the individual. It is very wise to seek mental health for the caretaker/liver/giver as it is the "client". Depression is extremely difficult to live with because you feel as if you are walking on a hot bed or coals. I had depression from a trauma in my life and after many years of denial I was finally forced to seek help or lose my job. After therapy through a partial hospitalization program, i have recovered and learned how to recognize the signs of regression. But my point here is that I can now see the pain and insecurity i put my children through, I wish someone had suggested to them than they get help to help me.

I can see things much clearer now and i can see how God has used that period of time in my life to get me to where i am today and I do praise Him and thank Him for leading me to this program. I would recommend a partial hospitalization program to anyone who needs help.

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Permalink Reply by Saint(Suzze)SusieDurco on October 24, 2011 at 4:39pm

Hi Carla, Im sorry to hear that your loved one is sick. I just wanted to add some advance on that cause I suffer from depression myself,

now for 12 years and now on medication and Im doing well. The symptoms you have listed r not symtoms of depression I know this really

well cause my familys background r all due to depression, the syptoms you listed r someone who has bipolor the reason y I say this

cause my grandson had the same symtoms .. Just wanted to share some insite on your posting.Please feel free to email me if you would

like more info. I know how your feeling because I have been there.And meds really help you get your life back.Susie

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Permalink Reply by Livia on April 13, 2012 at 4:29pm

Hi Carla,

I'm sorry to hear you and your loved one are going through this. If you think it might be depression (which it very well could be considering the symptoms you listed), then i would recommend seeking help. Actually, there are even christian treatment centers that can incorporate faith into treatment to make you feel more comfortable and closer to God. I know Renewal Christian Care is really good, but there are also others out there if you're interested. I think it might help you with what you're going through. I'll pray for you and I'm sending you my best wishes.

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Permalink Reply by Mary O on April 14, 2012 at 3:08pm

Hi Carla, God bless you!

My husband suffered from depression. I prayed about it a lot because it began to affect me too. It began to affect our daughter, Shari. Sometimes when you're in the middle of the turmoil and sadness, it's harder to see clearly what to do. We went through a period where we had a lot of death and sadness. It was overwhelming. We needed help dealing with it. Gary suffered worse because two employers closed down and he had to find new work twice. I think he wrecked our car in that period of time.

This is what I did...I called our family doctor. At first they gave me the runaround that he has to call and ask for an appointment. Gary has periodic appointments anyway. They said they couldn't help me. I kept calling and bugging them. I told them I felt he was so depressed it was beginning to affect me. It was affecting our quality of life. I think those words got their attention. Our family doctor called me. I told him...I need you to hear me. My husband is depressed and needs help. Please help.

Our doctor had a questionnaire which helped him determine Gary was suffering from depression and grief. The doctor asked Gary to fill in the questionnaire. They gave him some privacy. The questions got right to the heart of the matter. He cried before he was finished filling it in.

I found a questionnaire online that is probably similar to the test Gary took.

http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm

The doctor let Gary talk. Gary finds it easier to unload sad feelings on our doctor. Gary was prescribed medication. It made a big difference.

Love and God bless,

Mary