Depression

[-SharonA-]

One of my nephews has been diagnosed with depression and my brother has asked all the family to help.
My question is: Would you want someone texting you everyday to ask how you are?? or would you do it so often? I don't want to depress my nephew even more.

[rowanwitch]

Time off is good, it was a lifesaver for me but when he starts to feel better he will need encouragement to use the time off constructively. For me it was a leisure course at the local college so I had to meet new people while doing something fun, and getting an allotment. It really helps you to recover, his self esteem will have taken a big knock so finding something to help him feel good about himself is really useful. Keep in contact every two or three days is fine but talk don't text. You will get more from his responses if you hear them.

[murraymints]

what Rowan said..plus don't meither him he really doesn't need to hear the same old platitudes rolled out time and time again..and NEVER " cheer up.. things could be worse..you're not the only one..give yourself a shake.... I get fed up too."

[jennyjoan]

well Tony anybody I know and I know a mother and son who are very bad right now - they have been given anti-depressants (tablets) - that's it.

[Sqad]

My advice.......keep out of it.
There are many types of depression and this sounds almost certainly like what used to be called reactive depression.
Tablets and time should sort him out and he would be overwhelmed if "all the family " helped.
They are my thoughts.

[ummmm]

I agree with Sqad. It sounds like reactive depression. Short term antiD's and time.

[moggymay]

Reactive Depression (Adjustment Disorder) is a psychiatric illness that occurs during times of high stress or mental trauma. It is characterized by abnormal reactions that are stronger than what would be expected for the type of event that occurred.

Adjustment Disorder is caused by certain life stressors that an individual may experience and their inability to cope with these stresses. In adults, the common stressors include major life changes financial stress, loss or change in employment, marital conflicts, and personal loss of a close friend or family member.

The disorder is usually acute but can occur multiple times in an individual’s life depending on the types of stressors they are exposed to and how they cope with them. Usually social, occupational, and academic abilities are affected.

The main treatment for Adjustment Disorder is psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (talk therapy) can help control and manage their feelings. Family therapy, meeting therapy goals along with the family, can be useful too. Medications or anti-anxiety drugs may also be prescribed to help cope with Adjustment Disorder.

If your nephew is not receiving any of the above Talking Therapies then I would suggest a visit back to his GP. Constant texting and questions on how he is coping is likely to do more harm than good.

[BagPussAA]

I suffer badly with depression and it gets overwhelming at times. I do, however, appreciate it when my friends text every few days or so just to see how I am and if there is anything they can do. I know they are there if I need them or if I want to talk and they know that sometimes I need space to work things through.
Just letting your nephew know that you are there for him when he needs to talk will let him know you care.