Inpatient Treatment for Severe Depression?

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: Miller88

The psychologists don't seem to be too interested in his problems and the anti-depressants seem to do ... next to nothing.


First of all, forget the psychologist and get a psychiatrist. Secondly, medications work differently from one person to the next. The person needs to try different medications until he/she finds one that works. Sometimes a psychiatrist will prescribe two different types of antidepressants if need be.

 

[Dave Hess]

Miller88,

How old is your friend and is he married / single ?

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Miller88,

How old is your friend and is he married / single ?



A year or two younger than me 22/23. Not married but not single.

 

[doitmyself]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
I don't understand depression, so I can't recommend to take the pills or not. He wants to be not dependent on the drugs, and his attitude is that he wants to get better no matter what.

Kind of like cancer? It's all about how you feel about getting better?


Yes, just like cancer, some people still die in spite of their upbeat, positive, fight-to-the-end attitude.

A few people here will suggest that conquering mental issues is about choices and free will to make oneself better through lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, hobbies,etc.). This certainly is part of the solution, and for some THE solution. Exercise is known to produce "good chemicals" in the brain while excess caffeine, alcohol, or whatever might have negative effects in some people.

Most don't realize that many mental illnesses are actually physical in that the brain "electronics" don't function normally (Google serotonin). No amount of exercise and diet can fix this. This is where the appropriate medication can assist with the brain function. Once a person accepts this fact, its easier to cope with the stigma associated with mental issues. My poor father went to his death, never getting relief for his manic bouts because he "manned up" and was too proud to seek help.

Often, medication and therapy work well together. It is terribly complicated because they cannot open up the brain to see whats really going on.

And again, mental health care in the U.S. sucks. Keep trying until you find the formula that works.

 

[Papa Bear]

Originally Posted By: Phishin
If he was an alcoholic, I could help him.

If this was my brother, I'd have him work the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and attend group therapy.

Not only have I stayed sober as the result of AA, but I've also gotten off my mental-health meds and haven't had any "breaks" since....over 2 years.


+1 . Have your friend Google and read "AA How It Works" and see if he can identify.

It's kept me sober and sane for nearly 25 yrs.

The 12 Steps will treat a lot of ills

All the best.

Bob R

 

[JANDSZIRKLE]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
I have a good friend who is battling severe depression.

Severe, because it has cost him a few jobs and almost his life on more than one occasion.

The psychologists don't seem to be too interested in his problems and the anti-depressants seem to do ... next to nothing.

It's my understanding that there is not a chemical imbalance, but a lot of very traumatic experiences in the past have caused issues.

Does anyone know if in patient psych care would help? He found a center that caters to exactly what his problems are.

Are these places really able to help sort people out? His eventual goal is to be able to get off of the medication.


My experience.... Over a decade ago, my family lost three members. One being one of my two older brothers, the other two his daughters. We were very fortunate too have support from a rather large family, i am one of 5 siblings. While most of the family stuck together, and handled everything as best as could be imagined, my younger sister, the baby of the family, didnt fair too well with it as it was very sudden and very tragic. She went through doctors, pills, and so on, and none the better. After seeing my little sister attempt too commit suicide three times, I finally broke down and took matters into my own hands, reached out and found a good impatient setup for her. She went in willingly, and since has met with her psychiatrist monthly or bimonthly and has made it through the situation. I can only speak from what i know, and honest doctors will tell you, sometimes inpatient works, sometimes not. I really hope your friend and you, are able too come out the other side of this all for the better, it may be a long road, but its well worth the effort.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Most don't realize that many mental illnesses are actually physical in that the brain "electronics" don't function normally (Google serotonin). No amount of exercise and diet can fix this. This is where the appropriate medication can assist with the brain function. Once a person accepts this fact, its easier to cope with the stigma associated with mental issues. My poor father went to his death, never getting relief for his manic bouts because he "manned up" and was too proud to seek help.

Often, medication and therapy work well together. It is terribly complicated because they cannot open up the brain to see whats really going on.


^^^This is EXACTLY what I was getting at when I said this country has to "wake up", and LOSE that "man up" attitude towards mental illnesses.
That is like asking a fully spine severed quadraplegic to "man up" and run a marathon.

I am sorry to hear about your dad.