I'm a newbie and worried about my sister.

[JO]

My sister is really worrying me.She is normally the life and soul of the party but was diagnosed with depression about four weeks ago.For the first couple of weeks the gp didnt want to put her on meds because she thought it may be down to certain things that have happened recently.My mum has taken her back so many times in the last couple of weeks.Finally they put her on meds but they made her feel sick so she stopped taking them.
She went back at the start of the week and they have put her on prozac.I know from personal experience that these take a few weeks to kick in but she is so low and not herself at all.
Any ideas how i can help her would be gratefully received.

[suzi]

Hi there and welcome to DWD. I know how frustrated and helpless you can feel loving someone with depression. Its not easy!!!

Different meds will work on some and not on others. Its a trial and error thing im afraid, there are no magic cures. Talking helps.

With my OH i find that trying to occupy him, talk to him and just generally be there and show him that i still love him and are not going anywhere tends to help.

Does she have anyone to talk to? Has her GP spoken about counselling or any other types of therapy?

[JO]

Yes, she started counselling last week and is going to have one session a week.

Between my mum and myself we have been trying to occupy her, she refuses to get out of bed if there is nothing to get up for.She loves being around my children and that does seem to help.
Thanks for the reply.

[suzi]

Hunni children are sometimes the best reason someone has to get up and keep going. I totally understand about the not gettting our of bed thing, MArc (my OH) was exactly the same.
Is she taking her prozac in the morning and at about the same time each morning? If not this can have an effect on them....

[jerseygirl]

Hi Jo ~ sorry I missed this yesterday............... I can only really echo what Suzi has said!

As long as she knows that she has you there to talk to or just to keep her company, you need to try and keep her mind occupied ~ the mind is a very powerful thing and it does take over sometimes!

One of the worst things for me when I first had a breakdown was being left on my own ~ I hated it, and if left to my own devices, I wouldn't have gotten out of bed either!! As it was my Mum came and stayed with me as dh had to work and she made sure I ate when I needed to, we went for little walks just to get some fresh air, babysteps.......a little at a time!

Just be there for her, support her as best you can, the meds will kick in soon and she will be feeling better.

And yes, as Suzi says, kids are one of the best tonics for any ailment biggrin1 Always works for me!!

Stay strong hunni and I hope things work out xxx

[JO]

Thanks girls.
I'm not sure when she is taking her prozac tbh but i will ask her.She is also taking sleeping tablets, are these okay to take with anti-d's? Well i guess they must be because the gp prescribed them.

[suzi]

if the gp prescribed them then i would assume so, but you could always check with your pharmacist if you are unsure.
how are you hunni???