Ask Sarah
Q:
Hi, I am a seventeen year old from Prince Edward Island (P.E.I) and I am worried that my boyfriend of three years is going back into depression, he was not doing the best mentally a few years ago but has been doing fine the past two years, with recent events and signs I am worried that he might be going down the rabbit hole again. What do I do Sarah, how do I help?
SARAH'S ANSWER:
First things first, unless he actually tells you, there is no way to actually know if he is indeed going back to his old roots of depression although if he is, just remember to be there for him but do not make him feel overwhelmed by it at the same time. The one
thing to remember at this time is that he needs you, no matter what he may say, her really does. Educate yourself to start things off, just on the basics to have an understanding of what he is struggling with or what he may be struggling with, at the same time take time to try and make him laugh, something to make him see the good old times, something to just make him forget about all the negative. "“You’re strong,” he said. I balked. “No, no I’m not,” I said. I was thinking strong meant swimming the English Channel, not fighting suicidal thoughts in yoga.
“Yes, you are,” he insisted. “You have a 200-pound gorilla on your back constantly. Most people would roll over and give up, coping with booze, pot, and sedatives. Not you. You get up and fight it each day.”I needed to hear that. In my head, I categorize myself as weak because of the constant death thoughts, when, in reality, the fact that I can accomplish stuff in spite of them means I’m strong. Remind your friend, sister, brother, or dad of his strengths. Bolster his confidence by recalling specific accomplishments he’s made and victories he’s won." (World of Psychology) All in all just ask questions to try and understand, try and , make him happy and be there for him, it will all be okay