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  |  General Health  |  Mental Health  |  Depression chat with Dr Sarah Brewer
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Depression chat with Dr Sarah Brewer

continued from page 3
What can I do to help my partner through depression?
Q: I am wondering what advice you could give to me as the partner of someone with depression. My boyfriend has been depressed for about 15 years and has previously attempted suicide. Recently things have been very dark for him. He was taking antidepressants but has given up because he says they didn't work for him. He has been to his GP, who referred him to a private doctor, who has now referred him to a private psychotherapist - a very long process with no treatment as yet. He is at his wits end, talking more about suicide and his sleeping patterns are up the spout.

What, if anything, can I do? We don't live together so I can't watch him all the time. It is very distressing for me to feel so absolutely useless. If you have any advice it will be gratefully received.
inight

A: All you can do is to be there for him and support him as much as you can. Make sure he has contact numbers to ring, including Depression Alliance on 020 7633 0557 and the Samaritans on 08457 909090. You can ring them for support too, if you wish. It's not easy trying to be strong for two people and you need support too.

Encourage him to see his doctor and try a different sort of antidepressant - they do work but it can take a while to find the right one to suit a particular person. It might help if you are able to go to the doctor with him next time as often someone who is depressed doesn't have the energy to tell the doctor exactly how bad their condition is.
Dr Sarah Brewer

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