Partner with Depression

[E-J]

Hello,

I'm looking for some tips and advice on how to help my partner who has recently been diagnosed with Depression.

He is only 23 years old but has encountered an unstable childhood causing him to feel worthless and down on himself.

Since visiting the GP about 3 months ago he has been attending regular CBT sessions with a psychologist. At first he had not told me about seeing the psychologist (completely understandable) but once he did I offered to come and have since joined in on one of the sessions.

I'm struggling because I don't think the CBT is enough to help him. It has improved his motivation for work but in his mind he still has the same thoughts of self loathing and worthlessness.

As he is an only child he keeps to himself and feels like he is a 'burden' on anyone he shares this with. To help with this I purchased a journal for him to reflect in for the times when he doesn't want to talk.

Please help!

[white knight]

Hi EJ

Recovery is slow and most times can never reach 100%.

Psychiatric care isn't 24/7 and usually only one hour visits. Although essential in treatment one should IMO add other things in the mix to help. Self help strategies can include-

Posting on forums as you have done

Exercise and diet

Identifying triggers and avoiding them

Living environment eg country living (worked wonders for me)

Examining if some toxic people should be in your life

Employment

Keeping regular visits with his GP

There are so many threads on this forum you can tap into to read.

All the best

Tony WK