Hello,
I'm needing help for my best friend. I'm hoping someone may have some suggestions on how to help him. He's a man in his 60's and has suffered depression since he was young. He was taking various medications until about 2 1/2 years ago. He is no longer taking any depression medication. He is in a very bad marriage which he realizes is not helping him. The Mrs has her own problems, plus she's very controlling to the point where he cannot even leave a room unless she says it's ok, cannot take a walk, cannot play musical instruments, very limited use of the internet (this is why I'm doing this for him) etc and what is most important he cannot see a therapist or counselor-she will not let him. He does play music so he gets out occasionally. Needless to say, he is living in very bad circumstance but due to finances, he cannot afford to leave. He's been extremely down for at least a year and hasn't come up. He admitted to me the other day that this is the worse he's ever been. He told me a few weeks ago he really needs a counselor, things are getting more than he can manage. Feelings of extreme sadness all the time, doom, grief, always stressed, told me the other week he had emotional depression. He's not sleeping well but he's been eating a bit better and has lost some weight (due to eating better) He was diagnosed with Binswangers Disease and unfortunately, that can cause depression. I don't know how to help him. I ask what I can do and I am told nothing. I msg him everyday, I know words and actions cannot magically take these feelings away but I'm hoping that knowing someone cares and is there for him, will maybe help a little bit. Does anyone have any thoughts or idea's on what he can do to help himself and what I can do to help him? I appreciate it and thank you for any help. All the best ConiMarie
I'm needing help for my best friend. I'm hoping someone may have some suggestions on how to help him. He's a man in his 60's and has suffered depression since he was young. He was taking various medications until about 2 1/2 years ago. He is no longer taking any depression medication. He is in a very bad marriage which he realizes is not helping him. The Mrs has her own problems, plus she's very controlling to the point where he cannot even leave a room unless she says it's ok, cannot take a walk, cannot play musical instruments, very limited use of the internet (this is why I'm doing this for him) etc and what is most important he cannot see a therapist or counselor-she will not let him. He does play music so he gets out occasionally. Needless to say, he is living in very bad circumstance but due to finances, he cannot afford to leave. He's been extremely down for at least a year and hasn't come up. He admitted to me the other day that this is the worse he's ever been. He told me a few weeks ago he really needs a counselor, things are getting more than he can manage. Feelings of extreme sadness all the time, doom, grief, always stressed, told me the other week he had emotional depression. He's not sleeping well but he's been eating a bit better and has lost some weight (due to eating better) He was diagnosed with Binswangers Disease and unfortunately, that can cause depression. I don't know how to help him. I ask what I can do and I am told nothing. I msg him everyday, I know words and actions cannot magically take these feelings away but I'm hoping that knowing someone cares and is there for him, will maybe help a little bit. Does anyone have any thoughts or idea's on what he can do to help himself and what I can do to help him? I appreciate it and thank you for any help. All the best ConiMarie
He does not have children to help him and his sister and his mother know "somewhat" about how the Mrs is, but they do not know to what extent and they don't know how bad his mental health is. I will keep at him best I can about leaving and I do think in the near future Mrs. will need more assistance than he can provide. I will just be there for him. I'm grateful he opens up to me as much as he does and always tells me when he is feeling worse and "rubber pants" bad but he needs more than I can give. I thank you all again, it's much appreciated!