Is Bloodletting dangerous?

[BanAnnaz64]

A friend of mine was diagnosed with Hwabyung (Korean anger syndrome ... depression in Western terms) and her "treatment" is bloodletting - going to the "doctor's" office one a week for 10 weeks and getting leaches put on her body. She is losing her hair and is constantly weak and in pain ... is there anything that I can get for her to feel better ... foods high in iron? She won't stop and is kicking people out of her life who disapprove of her "treatment". I'm afraid she's losing too much blood and don't know what to do for her.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

[faith489]

I seriously agree. clinical depression is a serious issue but leeches are not going to cure it. I am Korean and I have been diagnosed with panic disorder, GAD, Depression, and bipolar schiz (something like tht). anyway. taking blood from her is only going to weaken her. i know this is a terrible thing to say but she is probably going through so many highs and lows she doesn't care if she lives or dies... and prob knows this treatment is not helping her. i lost twenty pounds in the past two months because of the meds and i know you need to eat ad take vitamins to keep up your strength. at least keep her verrrrry hydrated, don'tlet her be alone for long periods of time, help her focus on the getting through the present and throw a few happy future thoughts out there. she needs plenty of iron and protein, (milk, chicken, beef..etc. multivitamins) as well as vitamin c. it will help reduce any toxicity she may be experiencing from these leeches. I Pray that she will get better.

[Jaquta]

Get her to get checked out by a medical doctor.
I'm not sure the bloodletting will treat her depression (unless she's gaining insights from the experience).
It sounds like it could seriously be affecting her health.  How many more weeks left?
I don't know but I would be making sure she is well hydrated to replenish lost fluids.  What do they do after someone gives blood?  Give them something to eat and drink??
If your friend is clinically depressed I doubt this 'treatment' will help her.