Supporting Loved Ones...

iara

New Member

Joined : May 2006

Posts : 2

Posted 5/30/2006 4:02 AM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone,

I just joined, and am wondering if anyone knows how to locate support groups for people whose loved ones deal with depression. I live with my boyfriend who suffers from bouts of hopelessness/helplessness/self-sabotage/emotional detachment/energy loss, but is not currently treated for depression. He has been on and off medication in the past, but doesn't like the way it makes him feel, and does not think that talk therapy works for him. I try so hard to support him and give him what he needs, whether it's listening, massage treatments, or time alone, but sometimes it gets so overwhelming for me. Every morning I wake up hoping that today will be the day that whatever it is clicks and he feels happy and capable again (it tends to come and go sporadically), and then when I see how miserable he still feels it breaks my heart. It's so difficult to see someone you love so deeply hating himself so much, and I know that my crying doesn't help him feel any better...

Sorry this is so long. I just need people to talk to who can understand what I'm going through. I never want to undermine his experiences and make this "all about me," but it's hard to feel so helpless day in and day out. If anyone knows how I can find a group for myself, even just what key words to search on Google, I would really appreciate it. This week has been especially rough, and I could really use some support.

Thanks and take care,
Shannon

els

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2005

Posts : 4033

Posted 5/30/2006 10:57 AM (GMT 0)

Hi iara, I wanted to welcome you to Healing Well forum. We are happy to have you join our group here. There are many supportive caring people always willing to lend advice or just a listening ear. I am sorry for what you and your boyfriend are going through. Depression is an emotionally draining, hateful thing for a person to have to live through and deal with on a daily basis. Facts about depression are that it is completely treatable should the person be willing to pull them selves out of that black hole. Too many people refuse treatment and this is a very sad thought. I commend you for wanting to become informed on depression and sticking with your boyfriend through this. My only word of caution to you is to be sure that his depression does not become toxic to you. I dont know what area you live in but you can most likely start looking for support groups in your town by calling the local hospitals and seeing if they offer this service. If one of your local hospitals has a psychiatric ward in it then they usually will have support groups for various mental health issues. If not then you can call Division of Family Services and ask them for centers that provide this. Also, Pathways usually has support groups but they are not in every state and some churches do too. Some other members may also be able to add to this list for you as I am sure I have missed many. We are always here...Take care

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply