Question by Wuzza: How can I support someone on antidepressants and sleeping pills?
My boyfriend has (with a little push) managed to seek help for his depression, which he has suffered from for almost two years. I am thrilled that he has made this step, but I don’t want to do anything to mess things up for him.
The doctors have put him on antidepressants and sleeping pills, but I’m afraid I don’t know which ones.
How can I support him through the dodgy side effects and help the medication help him? What should I be doing, what should I not be doing?
Best answer:
Answer by roly_rocks
you should dump the guy and go with me
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Buy him a nice “lay zee boy” recliner or a nice soft pillow.
People on those meds usually just want to chill out.
honestly – don’t. I’m married to a man who sufferes from depression and he didn’t before we were married but a life experience brought this on. I’d leave him if we didnt have children. He loves them and they love him , heck even I love him but its just miserable ‘supporting’ a person all their life.
to ad- they are clueless about others’ needs, selfish , self absorbed and honestly its just not worth it.
Just be there for him… Antidepressants can be a weird change for someone… make sure to just talk to him and be understandable…
Don’t criticize
It’s tough. I have depression and bipolar disorder and take sleeping meds. My husband has taken a hard hit when he found out. It’s best to just let him go and find someone that doesn’t have those problems. It might hurt but trust me sweetheart you will be SO much happier!
If the side effects are minor just remind him that they will probably go away in a couple weeks. If the side effects are major tell him to talk to the doctor. Antidepressants take about a month or so to really start working so just make sure he keeps taking them until they really have time to work and doesn’t stop taking them without consulting the doctor. You may notice a change in him before he notices it in himself. Just be supportive in general and encourage him to keep taking them and keep seeing a doctor about it.
You should keep him talking. The side effects can be rather rough. Try to keep him talking to you and telling you what he is feeling and thinking about. Try to be aware of his mood and just keep an eye on him in general. He may become euphoric after the first week or so until he levels out but sometimes people really drop off mentally and have suicidal thoughts. Make sure he is in close contact with his doctor and just be yourself!
The most important thing that anyone can do at this time is to accept and support his decision to go on medications. Help him find a good support group through your local mental health. Find a support group for yourself also. When he starts talking about the side effects of the medication talk to him about what the benefits are from taking his meds. Does the pay off offset the side effects. Remember that most side effects will go away after treatment is started. Also remember that medication is not a magic pill it will help with the issues but it won’t solve the problem. He needs to work on coping skills that will help him when medication isn’t enough to stop the depression from appearing.
Be with him.
Listen to him without judging.
Be there.
Show him you love him.
Read the book “Depression Free for Life” by Gabriel Cousens… trust me. There are alternative ways for him to get treated without side effects.
I have a chronically depressed boyfriend so I have been educating myself on what he is doing and how I can support him.. read, read and read more.