Friend in need.
By coffeeshot
@coffeeshot (3783)
Australia
February 14, 2007 8:59pm CST
My friend is currently in a deep depression. He had an accident 7 years ago that put him on life support and gave him minor brain damage. This is what's causing his depression. He's on medication to help it and is also seeing a councillor. The poblem is, he's got some issues that he finds it hard to talk to his councillor about. He's told me these things, as he is comfortable talking to me. I've tried to help him, without being pushy, tried to talk him into opening up to his councillor or sels things aren't going to get any better.
Lately it's been so bad that he can't stand to be at his house as he always has his mates dropping in to visit. He doesn't want to see or talk to anyone so he's been sleeping in the local park:-0
He says that being there alone is kind of helpful, as he's the only one who'll see the possum climbing up the tree etc, and he feels special when he sees things like that.
He's also said that if it wasn't for his son, which is the only thing that makes him feel ok, he would have killed himself a long time ago.
I want to help him, but I don't want to pressure him and frustrate him. Any advice?
2 people like this
5 responses
@patgalca (18180)
• Orangeville, Ontario
15 Feb 07
Cassidy22 is right, you are not trained to handle this. He needs to go to his doctor and get on the RIGHT medication because obviously this one is not working for him. It took me 8 different anti-depressants until I found one that worked for me. And he needs to find a therapist that he is comfortable with. It is very important to have someone to talk to who is like a friend but had the proper training to deal with these issues. He shouldn't be sleeping in the park.
1 person likes this
@coffeeshot (3783)
• Australia
16 Feb 07
Thanks for the advice. I've told him that this therapist isn't right for him but he said he's happy with him (?) even though he can't open up to him.
i will mention the fact that sometimes it takes people a few medications before one is right for the individual, hopefully he'll listen to that.
• Brazil
16 Feb 07
I have very much friends ... I love my friends
@marymarj2002 (1769)
• Philippines
15 Feb 07
I understand your friend. He needs help. He needs support and care. And thanks to you because you care for him. And I hope you will be there for him always. He needs you, atleast he is comfortable with you. I think the best that I can advice is to seek for spiritual guidance. Tell your friend to pray. Bring him to a spiritual group. Prayers can move mountain. I know God will help him to have strenght.
@cassidy22 (2974)
• United States
15 Feb 07
He needs to find another therapist, one he can trust, and be open with. You aren't trained to handle this, and either are any of this other friends. He needs professional help, and therapy only works when you trust your therapist and can be 100% open with them. SO if this one isn't right, he has the right to seek out another therapist
@Anakata2007 (1785)
• Canada
16 Feb 07
That's tough, Youre not a professional but you want to help him. I think he can only help himself and he is at least trying. I don't think there is anything you can really do for him except continue being there for him, being a good friend and trying to get him to open up to his counselor.
