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health advisory Hospital Mental Health 2007-11-15 19:02:17

But if you're the only one she ever shares her thoughts with, it could hurt her in the long run. Talk to her about professional help. If nothing else, get her to discuss her depression with family. They should care too -- the burden cannot rest on your shoulders alone.

Medication is fine, but try to get her to see it as a last resort. There are so many other forms of treatment. Often popping a pill won't help if certain changes aren't made in ones life for the better.

I cannot get off anti-depressants, even though the diagnosis has improved over time. What is worse: systems tend to build up a tolerance to antidepressants, causing the need for stronger and stronger meds over time. Be sure she understands the risks of dependence and other side effects, even though these are not always advertised (that would mean a decrease in sales!).

If you can, talk to people who have tried these medications and see what insight they can give you.

Although you care for her, for your own mental health you cannot absorb the negative feelings. It's not healthy for you.

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i treat my own depression/anxiety with an approach that centers around dietary modification, cardiovascular exercise, and posture/strength training. i supplement my diet with a few things and i want to point out that purified fish oil is a good bet for depression. flax oil is a less expensive way to bring omega-3 into balance with omega-6. calcium-magnesium is smart if she is probably deficient in calcium. have her take a good multivitamin every other day for a few months. after that, it's hard to say; long term supplementation can cause harm without the guidance of a good doctor, but good doctors are rare.