Q: How do you help your loved one who is depressed?
My ex boyfriend broke up with me a little over a month ago because of his depression. He wasn't sure how he was feeling about me, about anything really. He kept saying he felt very cold and lonely. I try to show him I'm there for him but for two weeks, he just pushed me out of his life. We talked about it and he promised me he'd never do that to me again. But as the time goes by, he's gotten so rude. We were in a long distance relationship and he repeatedly tells me I'm his best friend. He does tell me he has feelings for me and he wants to work things out. I tell him I'm there for him and all I do is wonder what he could be doing. I'm afraid of what he might do and I try to keep in contact with him but he ignores me at times. He started drinking, he's never done that before, and he's feeling awful about everything. I ask him if he can see a doctor and he just doesn't show any interest. He says he will but he never does it.
We dated for a year and three months. He's my absolute best friend and I don't want to see him like this. He tells me it's better off this way so I don't get hurt. Before we began to talk, he said his depression was pretty bad. While we dated he still went through it but, he just changed over night.
I really want to know, is there anything else I can do? I'm waiting for spring break to go see visit him. I'm trying to keep his mind off things but, I feel like my efforts aren't good enough. What do you think I should do? I really do care for him and I promised him I will be there for him. I'd appreciate the feedback. Thank you :)
This is a oft written about, and of, topic, I'm afraid. You will get other responses soon, it's not an around the clock staffed site, but for tonight I wanted to point you toward an article Merely Me, a writer and Community Leader for this site made with a lot of links to helpful information, called, Depression And Relationships: A Review.
I hope it helps a little, for now. I wish you the best of luck.
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Thank you so much for sending me this link. I greatly appreciate it and the time you took to respond to this. Thank you so much :)