Dealing with someone who is depressed?!
Question: I've never dealt with someone going through depression, but I think my fiance is. He's been off work for the winter (he does landscaping) and so he's stuck in the house watching our 2 year old. I've just been noticing the past few months that he's just always in a bad mood. He is quicker to snap at me and just stupid things will upset him. He doesn't like to talk a lot and if I ask him if somethings wrong he says no and that I worry too much and over analyze things. (this i do sometimes)But with his bad mood, it brings me down and makes us argue and I think i've been kind of hard on him (not realizing he may be depressed) and I will usually bark right back defending myself. But I've been thinking about it more lately and I just started doing some research on depression. I guess my question is if there is anyone out there who's dealt with a loved one with depression, any advise on how to talk to them or deal with them. Any advise? I've never dealt with depression so I don't know. Thanks
Answers: I've never dealt with someone going through depression, but I think my fiance is. He's been off work for the winter (he does landscaping) and so he's stuck in the house watching our 2 year old. I've just been noticing the past few months that he's just always in a bad mood. He is quicker to snap at me and just stupid things will upset him. He doesn't like to talk a lot and if I ask him if somethings wrong he says no and that I worry too much and over analyze things. (this i do sometimes)But with his bad mood, it brings me down and makes us argue and I think i've been kind of hard on him (not realizing he may be depressed) and I will usually bark right back defending myself. But I've been thinking about it more lately and I just started doing some research on depression. I guess my question is if there is anyone out there who's dealt with a loved one with depression, any advise on how to talk to them or deal with them. Any advise? I've never dealt with depression so I don't know. Thanks
I suffer from clinical depression due to my bi-polar and the things that help me the most are light, non-intense conversation. I can't deal with being nagged at or told to pull myself together or having to explain why I feel down. Often there isn't even a reason. Its chemical.
I guess you can just let him know you love him, ease off on any stress, if hes unreasonable try to just walk away. HOWEVER look after yourself as well as depression can be very stressful on those living with someone that's down.
Pick your moment and possibly suggest a medical checkup.
It really depends on how serious the depression is. I'd say the best thing to do is always let him know you're there for him and try to keep him thinking positively. Give him things to look forward to every week, even if it's just hiring a movie on a Friday night and ordering pizza. If he doesn't improve in the next few months then I'd say it's best to talk to him about getting help. Good luck!
gaining a little understanding is the right step, become aware of the symtoms of the decease it could be just mild depression that some times comes and goes, right now as you've pointed out he's feeling a bit stuck and may need a change in his routine, like a night out with a few friends, with no work in his schedule it's giving him a lot of time to get discourage, some times going for a walk together can make a world of difference, even repainting a bedroom can be a welcomed change, try to make him feel valued, listen too, encourage him, thank him from time to time , most importantly talk and let him talk about his concerns to you. if things get worse please get him into counseling depression whether sever or moderate can be controlled and treated. i hope this helps. B,blessed
depreession is serious....seek professional help quickly