Inpatient Treatment for Severe Depression?

[SwampSurvivor]

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.

 

[suspiciousmind]

He really needs professional help. I thought of a few things I could offer but, I decided I could well be wrong. Unless there are doctors here to comment, take anything with a grain of salt.

If he's in New York, he's lucky to have more help available than most of the rest of us. At least find him some good counseling, someone he likes and trusts, and see where it goes from there.

Thanks for being there for him/her.

 

[dparm]

I would think that inpatient is far more effective in severe cases due to the fact that you have someone close by almost all day to monitor you and talk to you.

Voluntarily checking yourself in is a big step, and probably preferable to involuntary.

 

[rjundi]

In patient typically is to stabilize someone to let them out into regular outpatient care.

The key is working to find the best outpatient care possible. In patient care is few and far between in my state.

Great to have goals but getting off the proper medication may not be the best one.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: suspiciousmind
He really needs professional help. I thought of a few things I could offer but, I decided I could well be wrong. Unless there are doctors here to comment, take anything with a grain of salt.

If he's in New York, he's lucky to have more help available than most of the rest of us. At least find him some good counseling, someone he likes and trusts, and see where it goes from there.

Thanks for being there for him/her.


He's been going to a psychologist or psychiatrist (i'm not sure which one, what the difference is) for a few months now. They aren't making headway ... as the visits may not be frequent enough?

I'm an outsider looking in. I don't know what is being felt, or why ... Just trying to get my head wrapped around what can be done.

From what I last heard, he is looking at something in Vermnont as they can tailor to his issues.

The medications seem to have made his situation worse in this case. As the ... occurrences ... are getting more frequent and more sever each time.

 

[TrevorS]

Take a look at meditation. It has been known to achieve results in all sorts of ways including depression.

I highly recommend the book "Search Inside Yourself" by Chade Meng Tan. Very simple, written for a modern audience, and has everything you need to understand why meditation works (explained scientifically) and how to do it.

 

[94JeepCherokee]

If the meds made it worse, quit using them. Every [censored] commercial on TV for the psych drugs say that you need to contact your doctor if it doesn't change or worsens. Maybe you can't abruptly, stop them, but help is needed ASAP

 

[JethroBodine]

Originally Posted By: Miller88


He's been going to a psychologist or psychiatrist (i'm not sure which one, what the difference is) for a few months now. They aren't making headway ... as the visits may not be frequent enough?

Psychotherapy can take years to work. The fact that he is proactive about getting help is a real positive factor. Your positive encouragement is also an important factor. But finding the right therapist is the key. Keep looking. Meds take 6-12 months or longer to get balanced correctly. But it can be done.

 

[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.

 

[Dave Hess]

What are the underlying causes for his depression ?

Failed marriage, loss of job, alcoholism, loss of career,....etc...?

 

[Milkman]

Without going into great detail...

I too have had similar problems with depression etc.

The person has to want the meds, Drs., therapy. and other things to work.

In short, YOU have to lift YOURSELF out.

Worked for me.

 

[Fleetmon]

Absolutely don't encourage him to just stop taking the meds unless under the strict supervision of his doc.....the results can be fatal to him and/or others.

Does anyone accompany him to his doc appointments? If not, someone should since depressed people sometimes downplay their symptoms when one-on-one. I've experienced dealing with someone that was severely depressed and it is very frustrating and one of the problems is a lot of people don't give the meds a chance to work.....most of them (Zoloft, Paxil, etc) can take up to twelve weeks to really start to work and twelve weeks can seem like a lifetime to one's going through it>

 

[doitmyself]

Psychiatrists can prescribe medicine and in severe cases, often are seen first to diagnose if there is a recognized mental health disorder, I.E. - generalized anxiety disorder,etc..

Psychologists provide counseling (can't prescribe meds) to work through the mental issues and hopefully implement a life long management program.

It's really difficult and hit or miss hooking up with a good mental health specialist that "clicks" with the patient.

It sounds like your friend is sending up red flags that he requires more help than he is getting now.

I would follow your hunch. Keep at it until something that works is found. Try to provide support in the fact that there can be light at the end of the tunnel. It takes lots of hard work.

Best of luck. You are a good friend to take action and help.

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: Fleetmon
Absolutely don't encourage him to just stop taking the meds unless under the strict supervision of his doc.....the results can be fatal to him and/or others.



+1000 Going off SSRI medication without the aid of a Dr. can be very bad.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Psychiatrists can prescribe medicine and in severe cases, often are seen first to diagnose if there is a recognized mental health disorder, I.E. - generalized anxiety disorder,etc..

Psychologists provide counseling (can't prescribe meds) to work through the mental issues and hopefully implement a life long management program.


Yes, sadly, psychiatrists have become little more than 'diagnosers' and prescription writers nowadays (unless you are wealthy enough to get 'all therapy in one' at one of the high zoot, $1000.00/hour + 'Park Avenue' type shrinks.

Licensed social workers (MSWs) are just as effective (in many cases) as 'doctored' psychologists, and sometimes even more so, depending on the case/therapist.

People in this country need to wake up, and realize that mental disabilities can be just as debilitating as physical ones (sometimes MORE SO!), and that it's victims are NOT "just faking it, with nothing wrong with them".

 

[suspiciousmind]

Originally Posted By: JethroBodine
Originally Posted By: Miller88


He's been going to a psychologist or psychiatrist (i'm not sure which one, what the difference is) for a few months now. They aren't making headway ... as the visits may not be frequent enough?

Psychotherapy can take years to work. The fact that he is proactive about getting help is a real positive factor. Your positive encouragement is also an important factor. But finding the right therapist is the key. Keep looking. Meds take 6-12 months or longer to get balanced correctly. But it can be done.


That's what I have found from my experience. The right therapist...one he trusts, and likes...is the key. The psychologist will be important too as he will prescribe and adjust the meds....if any.

Vermont will likely be even better than New York for treatment...I'd say get him there. Hopefully one good thing will lead to another.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: suspiciousmind
He really needs professional help. I thought of a few things I could offer but, I decided I could well be wrong. Unless there are doctors here to comment, take anything with a grain of salt.

If he's in New York, he's lucky to have more help available than most of the rest of us. At least find him some good counseling, someone he likes and trusts, and see where it goes from there.

Thanks for being there for him/her.


He's been going to a psychologist or psychiatrist (i'm not sure which one, what the difference is) for a few months now. They aren't making headway ... as the visits may not be frequent enough?

I'm an outsider looking in. I don't know what is being felt, or why ... Just trying to get my head wrapped around what can be done.

From what I last heard, he is looking at something in Vermnont as they can tailor to his issues.

The medications seem to have made his situation worse in this case. As the ... occurrences ... are getting more frequent and more sever each time.


He should be seeing both. One for counseling and one for help with meds.

 

[JimPghPA]

Several decades ago while between real jobs I worked for a small local shop that fixed TVs, video games, and computers. The person who ran that shop was having financial and personal problems and went to see a professional, though I do not recall the exact degree / level of education that the person he went to see had. The counselor he went to see asked him what his hobbies were? He said "bible study". The counselor replied that bible study is not a hobby, and ask him if he had any other answers as to what his hobby was? He replied "no". The counselor said that one of the things he should do to improve his life was to participate in some hobbies he truly enjoys.

I kept that conversation in mind, and over the years there have been a couple of times that I have talked to someone who was mentally having a tough time. And when I have realized that a person is having a tough mental time, I have asked them what their hobby was. Sure enough, so far, each time I have asked someone who was mentally challenged that question they have answered "no". To which I tell them that they should chose one or more hobbies, and depending on the hobby seek out and join clubs, groups, and or attend classes such as adult evening classes offered by the local community college, or what ever groups are involved in the hobby, as long at the cost of the hobby does not break the family / personal budget, and as long as no one is hurt or injured by the hobby. And if money has to be spent to purchase items for participating in a hobby, often it is wise to contact people who are knowledgeable about the hobby and ask them what items and brands they should purchase, because often there are items and brands that are a waste of money that a beginner in a hobby may purchase, but those that have been in the hobby long enough to know better will not waste money on.

While this is not a cure all for other problems in life, it is a big step in the correct direction to mental stability that can help people be mentally refreshed so they can have the patience to deal with other things in life. You might want to pass the hobby question / suggestions along to your friend.

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Also, if married the person should receive support for participating in hobbies from their spouse, and also they should support their spouse participating in hobbies that they truly enjoy.

One example: one of my sisters was often commenting on how her husband was still spending time and some money on his hobby of being a big Star-Trek fan. I told her the story about my boss and, told her that any person who finds a hobby that they truly enjoy is fortunate, and that their spouse should support them as long as it does not truly break the budget, and does not hurt anyone. After some thought, she realized that she is married to a very good man, who works hard, pays for the house, and keeps the house in good shape, and is always there for their kids and her. And she no longer complains about him spend some money on things like hall-mark Star-Trek Christmas tree ornaments once in a while. She has even sometimes purchased some Star-Trek items as gifts for him.

 

[Smokescreen]

Serving at a soup kitchen or a hospital can work wonders. For some people it is great ongoing therapy.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

He definitely has his best interests in his mind. A few weeks ago he ended up in the psych section of a local hospital; he had an ... episode ... and signed himself in. He found that the doctors didn't care about the patients in that particular hospital. That's part of the reason he is looking out of state. I guess at this point, it's seeing if the insurance company is able to help with it at all.

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?



Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
Several decades ago while between real jobs I worked for a small local shop that fixed TVs, video games, and computers. The person who ran that shop was having financial and personal problems and went to see a professional, though I do not recall the exact degree / level of education that the person he went to see had. The counselor he went to see asked him what his hobbies were? He said "bible study". The counselor replied that bible study is not a hobby, and ask him if he had any other answers as to what his hobby was? He replied "no". The counselor said that one of the things he should do to improve his life was to participate in some hobbies he truly enjoys.

I kept that conversation in mind, and over the years there have been a couple of times that I have talked to someone who was mentally having a tough time. And when I have realized that a person is having a tough mental time, I have asked them what their hobby was. Sure enough, so far, each time I have asked someone who was mentally challenged that question they have answered "no". To which I tell them that they should chose one or more hobbies, and depending on the hobby seek out and join clubs, groups, and or attend classes such as adult evening classes offered by the local community college, or what ever groups are involved in the hobby, as long at the cost of the hobby does not break the family / personal budget, and as long as no one is hurt or injured by the hobby. And if money has to be spent to purchase items for participating in a hobby, often it is wise to contact people who are knowledgeable about the hobby and ask them what items and brands they should purchase, because often there are items and brands that are a waste of money that a beginner in a hobby may purchase, but those that have been in the hobby long enough to know better will not waste money on.

While this is not a cure all for other problems in life, it is a big step in the correct direction to mental stability that can help people be mentally refreshed so they can have the patience to deal with other things in life. You might want to pass the hobby question / suggestions along to your friend.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, if married the person should receive support for participating in hobbies from their spouse, and also they should support their spouse participating in hobbies that they truly enjoy.

One example: one of my sisters was often commenting on how her husband was still spending time and some money on his hobby of being a big Star-Trek fan. I told her the story about my boss and, told her that any person who finds a hobby that they truly enjoy is fortunate, and that their spouse should support them as long as it does not truly break the budget, and does not hurt anyone. After some thought, she realized that she is married to a very good man, who works hard, pays for the house, and keeps the house in good shape, and is always there for their kids and her. And she no longer complains about him spend some money on things like hall-mark Star-Trek Christmas tree ornaments once in a while. She has even sometimes purchased some Star-Trek items as gifts for him.


Interesting point with the hobby. I was discussing that with his parents. We all think he needs to take on a hobby. He worked in a call center ... I think he had no fulfilment in his life.

I work on jeeps, cars to keep sane. I play with computers.