My boyfriend is in the hospital...what next?!

My boyfriend is in the hospital...what next?

My boyfriend was recently hospitalized for depression and at the moment we don't know exactly how long his stay is going to be or what kind of outpatient treatment his release might entail. I've been reaching out to my close friends at this point and some say that I need to get out. That thought never crossed my mind...I want to stand by and help him through this but part of me is afraid that if I do he may break up with me like he has tried before because he thinks that I deserve better than him. I love him with all my heart and soul and just want him to get better and if that means I have to step back then I will but I'm not sure what my part should be. If anyone has been in this situation any kind of advice that you could give me would be appreciated. I don't want to leave him...I'm in this for the long haul in my opinion but if its better for him that I'm not there then I'm willing to make the sacrifice...any opinions?

I am a patient. I have learned a lot and come a long way in 5 years. You have my respect. So you know they may diagnose him with more than depression. Either way, he will need after care. Which includes, seeing a psychiatrist, counseling, taking his medication (finding the right one usually takes time), and helping himself. The last step is the hardest. Before I go on. I want to explain something. His thoughts are normal for depression. He may be pushing you away with words. Telling you to go. However, he really does need you.
In other ways than just romantic. The best thing you can do for him is to support and encourage him. Don't push to hard.
These things can take time. Things you and others can do:
Let him know you are there for him. That his diagnosis is just like a physical disorder, diabetes, cancer, etc. You don't look at him any differently. Many people have this and have not been diagnosed. He is one of the lucky ones. Because now he can do things to get better. Keep him away from your negative friends. Influence him to go out with you, do different activities, talk to you and others, be honest with his therapist,
Eat right (6 small well balanced portions a day), exercise, sunlight,listen to cheerful music, dance, comedies, study and apply positive thinking, self control, and increasing self esteem. If he is stressed, breathing, exercise, a long bath, candles, meditation, etc really help. It may take a while for him to come to terms with everything. A lot of people are defensive. Because of people like your "friends". He needs to realize his life can be better than it ever has. It takes a lot of time, effort, research, patience, etc. This may be hard on you. It will be hardest for him. I would be more than happy to help you, him, and anyone else who may have ?'s about this. It will be a daily struggle for him. There will be days he can't function. Sometimes it's hard to even get out of bed. However, with the right support and following these steps, he will feel better.
If they are open to it. I would try to educate those "friends".
I have PTSD, depression, anxiety attacks, bi polar & co dependancy. I have hallucinated, been suicidal, etc. I am doing much better. There IS hope. He can do this. With your help and other peoples it will make it that much better.
Sucess stories are also helpful. Save this. Let him read it. Or read it to him.It should help encourage him. This is not the end of the world. It is an oppertunity for a new and better life.
e mail me if you like. annshphrd@yahoo.com
Best wishes to you both. your friend, Ann

Edit I don't like the answer prior to mine. He likely does NOT feel like a monster. More like he has no self confidience. He does not feel worthy, etc. All signs of depression. GL