Depression Forum - What Can I Do to Help?

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Q: What Can I Do to Help?

asked by: mom22 on June 12th, 2006

New User

Hello:

i am trying to help my cousin who has been diagnosed with depression and ?Personality disorder. He was started on prozac 20 mg and later increased to 40 mg daily. He has been on this dose since february/march. There has been no change. He is still not motivated, no energy, sleeping 12-14 hours at a time, still talks of suicide and that he feels crappy. Doesnt want to leave his house, spends most of his time in his bedroom, or just sitting and smoking. Quick to anger, and gets frustrated very easily. Will only talk if others are talking to him. He is gaining weight and doesnt spend much time on his appearance at all.

I am really concerned and am at the point where I am considering calling his doctor to get the medication changed.

Any ideas that could help me help him. He has said that he wants to get better he just doesnt know how.

Thank you in advance for all help and ideas.

Replies(14)

johnR

replied on June 12th, 2006

Experienced User

I am in a cbt group where I am learning to help myself through the use of coping strategies. I am about halfway done and the exercise called the tea form is starting to help me more each day I use it. It teaches you how to modify the way you react to things and eases stress. We are using the book by sam obitz in my group and it is a simple book with good illustrations of the tea form in it. How old is your cousin and how long has he been suffering? I hope he finds something that helps him get back on his feet.

mom22

replied on June 12th, 2006

New User

He is 40 and has been suffering for about 5 years with the last 2 years just getting worse. He has attempted suicide 3 times in the last 2 years. Just started on medication about 7 months ago with no real changes.

I am planning on calling his doctor tomorrow and discussing an increase in meds or changing the medication. I dont think the medication is working.

Thankyou for your suggestions.

w0rldd0minat0r

replied on June 13th, 2006

Experienced User

johnr wrote:

i am in a cbt group where I am learning to help myself through the use of coping strategies. I am about halfway done and the exercise called the tea form is starting to help me more each day I use it. It teaches you how to modify the way you react to things and eases stress. We are using the book by sam obitz in my group and it is a simple book with good illustrations of the tea form in it. How old is your cousin and how long has he been suffering? I hope he finds something that helps him get back on his feet.

cbt is very helpful along with the right meds

luvkittykats

replied on June 13th, 2006

Experienced User

I would say it's time for a med change.

bcbcbc69

replied on June 16th, 2006

New User

Its definitely time to change meds, try others

johnR

replied on June 19th, 2006

Experienced User

mom22 wrote:

he is 40 and has been suffering for about 5 years with the last 2 years just getting worse. He has attempted suicide 3 times in the last 2 years. Just started on medication about 7 months ago with no real changes.

I am planning on calling his doctor tomorrow and discussing an increase in meds or changing the medication. I dont think the medication is working.

Thankyou for your suggestions.

i think a change of meds is probably a good idea if he's been on them more than a few months and they still are not helping. A combo of meds and cbt would probably be best like that other guy said.

mom22

replied on June 19th, 2006

New User

Thank you all for your suggestions. Hopefully his doctor will change them or increase it. I hope all is well for you all.

luvkittykats

replied on June 25th, 2006

Experienced User

Bump

johnR

replied on June 27th, 2006

Experienced User

Let us know how it goes with the doctor?

johnR

replied on July 19th, 2006

Experienced User

Did the doctor change his meds or give him any more help mom22?

johnR

replied on August 1st, 2006

Experienced User

How's everything mom? I assume things are good or you would have posted again :d

sandyallen

replied on August 1st, 2006

Extremely eHealthy

Bump

sandyallen

replied on August 1st, 2006

Extremely eHealthy

Have you talked to his dr? Does he live alone? Would a support group help him? I understand that cbt is a good way to go but he might need more professional help, although I am not a dr and I do not know him. Did the dr change his meds?
I do wish you and him the best! I do hope he can get some help!

johnR

replied on September 6th, 2006

Experienced User

Mom, how's everything going? I trust all is well now.

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