I am not a medical professional, nor do I play one on television. I also have not stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night, so I am out of my element when discussing this topic.
I have a business contact that has become a friend. I see him two or three times a month. By all outward indicators, he looks like a well-adjusted guy. He makes a great income, drives a class of car better than I can afford, and lives in a toney part of a nearby major city. He divorced some years ago, but he has a good relationship with his grown children. I met him for lunch today and he just did not look good. He has dark bags under his eyes and his demeanor is of someone who has not slept for days. I did not ignore the obvious, so I asked him what has been going on. He told me that for the past few months when he is not working he is sleeping. All he wants to do is go to bed. For all the time he is spending in bed, he is constantly tired. He did go and see his doctor, and after a panel of tests, he was told that he has no physical problems. His doctor told him that he is probably suffering from depression. He refuses to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist. He is deathly afraid of being put on medication. I am trying to support him as best as I can, but I am out of my league with this.
What would you do in a situation like this?
Depression?
Discussion in 'Other Discussions' started by Reformed, Sep 20, 2018.
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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I wonder if his doctor checked him for sleep apnea. If he sleeps alone he may not be aware that he is not getting the deep REM sleep that he needs, I.E. snoring.
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Sleep apnea 'could be misdiagnosed as depression'
Sleep apnea 'could be misdiagnosed as depression'
I think Reformed has me on ignore so someone might point this out to him. -
That idea of checking for sleep apnea is a good one.
I’ve never heard of any medicines that “turn the God box off” - I didn’t even know I had a God box, maybe he’s simply watching the wrong channels.
I work in the medical field and deal with many people that need help but want to do things their own way.
They don’t want to go to the doctorBeing “deathly afraid” of medical professionals or helpful medication will often lead people into deep trouble, trouble that leads to even more doctors and more medicine and eventually .... we’ll you know.
Don’t want to take medication
Don't want to exercise
People often want to do things their way without help, thinking they can do it alone. They’re just digging a deeper hole.
I have a form that patients fill out before getting a stress test
I use it to attempt to discern risk factors and the reason for the stress test.
The first question is simply, “Why are you getting this test?”
Many write, “My doctor told me to get it.” [tells me right off the bat that this is an uninformed patient]So I ask, “Why did you go to your doctor?”
Typical answer, “My wife told me to go.”Next question, “So what does your wife think is wrong?”
The answer always amuses me, “She says I have chest pain.”Me: “Ah Ha!”
Denial kills people!Medicines for depression are not “happy pills” - that’s old thinking
Spiritually deny your need for God and you die.Recognize the problem and find a way to treat it,
Physically deny your bodily needs and you die.
laying around and denying the proble only compounds the situation.
The newer medications work with body to make it work in the way it should.
They work over time and are meant to taken for a limited duration, (months).
They work best when combined with counseling, social and physical activities.
Is his way of treating the problem working...
Perhaps he ought to listen to a professional and try another way.
Rob -
I suffer depression and have to take medication and seeking counseling. Along with Asperger's a form of Autism. And really it is a constant fight for me.
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I will pray for him
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Depression is hell. I would rather have a physical ailment than depression. At least most physical illness can be treated successfully with medication.
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
As tough as it is he needs to be reminded or told that getting out of his funk requires some action on his part. He needs to go see a good Christian counselor and get diagnosed. He needs to be reminded that laying in bed only exacerbates his emotions and he needs to make every day a purposeful day even if he does not feel like it.
Diet and exercise play a role in this as well. He needs to get exercise daily and it will help him feel better even if it does not take away the blues altogether. He needs to stay away from sugar based foods as well as processed foods. They tend to aggravate the emotions. He also needs to drink plenty of water every day.
None of this cures the depression but it will reduce symptoms. Most importantly he needs to seek help from a professional and do what they say to do. If he continues to refuse to take care of himself he may need a good slap in the face ( not literally). Be firm but loving, do not hold your punches but let him know that is comes from a place of concern for his well being not judgement.
I would also encourage him to seek regular counsel with his pastor. His pastor can pray with him and direct him privately on prayer and scripture based on what is going on with him. He also needs an accountability partner to ask him regularly if he is doing what he needs to be doing instead of just laying in bed.
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