How do I get a loved one the help he needs?

[Ally_Mcbeal56]

My boyfriend has withdrawn from our relationship gradually over the last 6-8 weeks saying he is feeling unhappy as a result of the job he is acting in and it is making him feel unhappy in himself.  He has slowly stopped socialising with friends/family, sitting in his bedroom where he lives, works 12-14 hour days, doesn't eat properly if at all.  I suggested he get some assistance to which he replied he wouldn't be comfortable doing so.  I fear he is suffering depression and needs some help and don't know how to best encourage him to do so....

[S_A_D_]

Record a conversation with him, without him knowing, and near the end tell him you were recording it and ask him to listen to himself. He might be able to hear the sadness in his tone of voice.

[geoff]

dear Ally, people often say it's their work that is creating this withdrawal, when in fact it may not be this at all, he could be in denial, and many of us including myself always said the same as what he has told you.

Working all those hours a day will finally break someone, it's too much, and I don't care how mentally strong anyone is, they will finally collapse.

Can you get him to take a few days off, or maybe a couple of weeks, and see how he feels, and if the relationship then revive itself, and if it does then try to convince him to see his doctor.

I would also click onto 'resources' on the top of this page, and order all the printed material that BB provides about depression, it's all free and very explanatory. L Geoff. x