Depression

I've got a close friend, who lives in another state, and they suffer from depression. He's been diagnosed and sees a psychiatrist but the depression seems to run in 7 month cycles. He distances himself from those he cares about and questions if there's more to the life that he leads. My question, for anyone willing to answer, is... what can I do to help support him? I'm very new to this and want to be as supportive as I can, but it's tough being so far away.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Heather

[cricket_42]

Hi Heather, I can relate to your friend exactly. I go through periods just like his where I dont want to talk to anybody, dont care about anything, and i do as little as possible. I am a very depressed person, have been for as long as i can remember. I have tried numerous anti-depressants, in fact just started a new one about a month ago (cymbalta) it seems to work very well so far!! But to get to your question and sorry to say this but i really dont have any good advice. Im trying to think of what my friends and family try to do for me when i get in these moods and i guess just keep in contact and let him know you are there for him. My mom who lives quit aways from me always sends my funny/joke cards, they always bring a smile and sometimes i even laugh outloud! A few of my friends and family dont understand  what im going through. I will go for months not answering their phone calls, and then one day i will be feeling good and return their calls and they are mad at me for not calling sooner. It is just something depressed people go through and we dont mean to hurt anybody's feelings, we cant help it, we dont want to be this way, its just the way it is for alot of us. If i could change the way i am i would in a heartbeat. The only thing that helps somewhat is being on anti-depressants. And they are trial and error, i mean you have to find the one that is best for you, and in my case with trying many, i think i become immune to them and i feel they are not working anymore, so doc. tries a new one. Anyway i am running on at the mouth, wouldnt you know it, now i feel like talking, lol. Just be there and try and understand your friends illness. sorry i couldnt give you any better advice, but i am here if you want to talk... Christy

[venora]

Heather just be there for them and dont loose contact.Encourage them and let them know they are loved and worthy to be loved.
Love Venora

[antokneesaunt]

I just wanted to say thank you to the kind people that replied to this posting. I plan on supporting my friend to the best of my ability... hence the call for help  =)   I'm only beginning to get an understanding of this illness and it looks like I've still got a lot to learn! I hear the lonliness and, to some extent, desperation in his voice and it worries me. So, if any other words of wisdom come to mind, please feel free to share them with me... I want to be the most supportive friend I can be.