How do you love someone with depression?

Answer 1

I felt the symptoms of depression -- no, the real one, not the one you get when you are just bored. REAL depression left me guilty, numb, and unable to concentrate, as well as unable to hold a conversation without getting irritable. I have felt this and want to share this to you.

Firstly, I think GUILT was the main cause of my depression because of something that I did (which was bad because I hurt the people instead of trying to explain that I did not like to be accused, which is what I should have done instead).

So what can you do if you feel GUILT? You must try and apologize, explain your actions, and do it even if you know those people will think you are crazy -- just do it. What harm can one do to you if you are sincerely apologetic? Forget your ego and frustration, always put yourself before the other person if you feel you have done something wrong.

Answer 2

Stay calm and be careful in what you say and do. You are dealing with a serious illness, and must not be judgemental. You need to seek professional advice. Don't try to deal with it by yourself. There will be free help in your area; you need to contact an organisation that assists in this kind of situation. Discuss the problem with one of their counsellors before approaching the problem with the person about whom you are concerned. You will be given advice and referred to professionals who can assist you. I cannot reiterate this too strongly: don't try to help your depressive friend without first seeking advice. And by advice I don't mean what friends have to say, what you read in magazines, or what you see on television.

Answer 3

With love and patience. Bipolar is a reason for their behavior, but it is not an excuse. Do not let yourself be abused. Even people with bipolar need to take responsibility for their own actions.

Answer 4

You have to have Patience and good intentions. You must be able to see the good side to everything and have the will the take on such a challenge. It is important to realize that they aren't at fault for what they experiencing. Most of all you must really want to, it may be hard but, it is possible for this someone to become of worse condition.

Answer 5

First thing, it is now called bipolar disorder or sometimes just bipolar.

I have Bipolar disorder myself. I was diagnosed in 1996 during my third manic psychosis (my second involuntary hospitalization).

The most important thing you can try to do is to see that he sees his psychiatrist regularly and takes the medications prescribed for him consistently.

It is also important that he must not self medicatewith illegal drugs or even alcohol. These can severely interfere with the medications that treat bipolar. Some people with bipolar can tolerate limited use of alcohol with no problems, but beyond that is very risky.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Answer 6

Many people find it possible to have successful relationships with a bipolar person. The first thing to remember is that you are not responsible for the other person. You can be supportive and encouraging, but ultimately, the person must take responsibility for himself. The second thing would be to be consistent in gently encouraging him to stay on his medication and to keep in touch with his mental health support system, including his doctors and therapists. You cannot force him to take care of himself, but you can practice "tough love," by making it clear that you will not tolerate any abusive behavior from him and you will not rescue him from any situations caused by manic behavior. This means that you must not "enable" his manic periods in any way and that you may need to be prepared to leave him if his behavior becomes unacceptable.

Answer 7

The same way you love anyone else