jason83 Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 For those that saw my thread before, my girlfriend has had 2 anxiety attacks over the last few weeks, both of which resulted in hospital visits. She is on medication and went for a follow up visit with a psychiatrist last Wednesday. He says she is suffering from depression and prescribed her some anti-depressants for it. She goes in again in a month (she is talking to her pastor about this though too which has been helping). Honestly, she seems to be showing a lot of positive changes. She says that whenever she is with me, she is truly happy...and that seems to be true. She has had some problems with her parents and with finances though that are gradually getting better (especially her parents....they've really come a long way as of late) But there are still days that are tough. Like today she says she feels horrible. She hadn't taken her medicine though so I told her to and tried to assure her that she would feel better, just to take a deep breath. She said ok. Anyone else here had to go through this? Any recommendations? We've been together for a while and she means the world to me. I know it's a long, slow road to progress but one I'm willing to travel. Thanks for taking the time to read!
Cherry Blossom 35 Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 I was that girl once and I had an amazing boyfriend on my side. There really isn't a lot you can do, other than to listen to her when she needs to talk, and most importantly not to minimize her situation. Depression is a very difficult disease to deal with and you don't come out of it without a few bumps in the road. I admire you for sticking with it. It sounds like you have a lot of love and respect for her, and if that shows through here, I'm sure it really shows through IRL.
whichwayisup Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 She has to continually push herself and not give in to the anxiety and depression. She also should be seeking counselling atleast once a week (google cognitive behaviour therapy and talk to her about this) to help her not slip. She'll always have afew rough and bad days, so when they do hit, try to make her feel better by listening, supporting her, taking her out (even if it's a little walk around the block) if she needs to grocery shop, go with her. It'll make a world of difference to her. The Feeling Good Book by Dr David Burns, and also Been There, Done That, Try This! By Sam Obitz. Two books you both should read, especially her. Hope this helps.
Author jason83 Posted October 25, 2008 Author Posted October 25, 2008 Thank you both so much! She gets into very strange moods on some days and talks about breaking up. Literally it will go from talking about marriage, etc., saying how much she loves me and then a couple hours later (one day every few weeks maybe) she begins to say she doesn't know if this will work, etc. I'm not sure if that's her talking or the depression. I've given her space when she's asked for it but we've never been apart for more than 24 hours of not talking...and she's always the one that calls me. So again I don't know if this is a depression state or what exactly. Is this common? Today is one of these days. We're going to get together tonight to talk but I did go ahead and picked up the "Feeling Good Handbook". I read the reviews online and have been skimming through parts of it at home now. If nothing else maybe she will begin to read it and feel better because she's very much against the idea of a psychiatrist
Cherry Blossom 35 Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 That concerns me, that she is very against the use of a psychiatrist. It sounds like she has some major stuff to work on. This isn't just a little blue period.
You'reasian Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 Thank you both so much! She gets into very strange moods on some days and talks about breaking up. Literally it will go from talking about marriage, etc., saying how much she loves me and then a couple hours later (one day every few weeks maybe) she begins to say she doesn't know if this will work, etc. I'm not sure if that's her talking or the depression. I've given her space when she's asked for it but we've never been apart for more than 24 hours of not talking...and she's always the one that calls me. So again I don't know if this is a depression state or what exactly. Is this common? Today is one of these days. We're going to get together tonight to talk but I did go ahead and picked up the "Feeling Good Handbook". I read the reviews online and have been skimming through parts of it at home now. If nothing else maybe she will begin to read it and feel better because she's very much against the idea of a psychiatrist Has nothing to do with the post, but you're not a native english speaker, are you?
Author jason83 Posted October 25, 2008 Author Posted October 25, 2008 Yes, she really doesn't like the counseling idea. She has been talking to her pastor twice a week which she claims helps. I just got off the phone with her and mentioned the book. She didn't like the idea at all saying "I'll be fine". She is home now and doesn't feel well. She says the only thing that helps when she gets into moods like these is sleep....so that's what she's going to do. I told her if she needs anything to let me know, my phone is always on. But she hasn't eaten today either which is not good. Hopefully when she wakes up she'll feel like eating something. I really don't know what more to do besides be available and be supportive. I guess I'll personally keep reading through the book. Maybe I can get some ideas. And yes, I am a native English speaker...from Kentucky originally
Cherry Blossom 35 Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 I think talking to her pastor is a form of counseling, which is important. If the MD says that she needs medication, and her problems were severe enough to warrant an extended hospital stay, then maybe she should listen to medical advice? Well, I guess there is not much you can do on that front. As far as the sleeping...that's another sign of depression. Excessive sleeping will not help her condition.
You'reasian Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 Yes, she really doesn't like the counseling idea. She has been talking to her pastor twice a week which she claims helps. I just got off the phone with her and mentioned the book. She didn't like the idea at all saying "I'll be fine". She is home now and doesn't feel well. She says the only thing that helps when she gets into moods like these is sleep....so that's what she's going to do. I told her if she needs anything to let me know, my phone is always on. But she hasn't eaten today either which is not good. Hopefully when she wakes up she'll feel like eating something. I really don't know what more to do besides be available and be supportive. I guess I'll personally keep reading through the book. Maybe I can get some ideas. And yes, I am a native English speaker...from Kentucky originally Cool. Share the book if you will.
Author jason83 Posted October 26, 2008 Author Posted October 26, 2008 Slight success! She came over tonight and we talked. She's back to saying "I love you", etc. She wrote me a letter that she handed to me explaining how difficult it has been for her but to please bare with her with her mood swings. Again I assured her I'm not going anywhere and am here to support her in any way I can I mentioned the book again and asked if I could read a small part from it. She agreed and ended up taking it home with her tonight. I told her we can take it back if she wants but to at least take a peek at it. She thanked me saying I was the only one that was doing things like that to help her and how she appreciated it. You'reasian, the book is about overcoming anxiety and depression as whichwayisup recommended. Again, thank you all for your help. Here's hoping that we find the light at the end of the tunnel. Just got off the phone with her and some nights she does have trouble sleeping. She said that if she couldn't sleep tonight that she planned to read the book!
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