about

I'm a student studying Communications, Graphic Design, and possibly Music. I've worked quite a lot of jobs and I've worked with quite a lot of different people. I see sides of people that most don't really think about. Friends generally come to me for any sort of advice. My hobbies include playing music (bass guitar, guitar, sax, and singing), radio DJing, longboarding, art, and spending Sunday afternoon being lazy. Basically I offer some pretty solid relationship advice, life advice, or what to do life questions. I've also spent the last 3 years of my life being chronically ill so I can offer some advice on that level too. I've learned a lot of things and I look at life a little differently than most 18 year old women. If you just need some reassurance or comfort, I'm here. I'm pretty chill like that.

advice

My girlfriend and I both believe she has the symptoms of depression. Her sleeping schedule can never remain stable and she typically sleeps an average of 14 hours a day, more or less. She's home a lot since she's currently unemployed and has had no luck with jobs she's applied for. She doesn't really have any friends locally since she moved here a year ago. She basically just has me and my family. I've been trying my best to help her, but being the only one working, my time during the day is limited too.

What makes matters worse is, i'm making barely enough to make ends meet and neither of us have health insurance. I've looked up local clinics and plan on calling in the next couple of days to see if we can get any free services.

I guess what i'm posting to ask about is advice from other people who have gone through or have been very close to someone who is depressed. Should we turn immediately to prescription drugs? Personally, I've always been one who turns to medication as a last resort. I can't speak for her though, but if I can offer any input or ideas, i'd like to. I've considered things such as maybe taking short walks together in the morning before I go to work and in the afternoon when I get home, trying to help her out more in seeking work, and basically anything to keep her brain busy and prevent her from just mulling around all day. Like I said, these are all things i've considered and nothing i've executed yet since i'd like input.

Anything you can offer would be helpful. I'm just seeking out first hand knowledge or someone knowledgeable on the matter. Thanks in advance!

It is already a good thing that your girlfriend is aware of her symptoms. This means you won't be dealing with denial. Due to chronic illness I suffered depression symptoms for a few years. I don't have health insurance either. I highly suggest getting on a steady and healthy diet and taking vitamins, specifically a multivitamin, vitamin B-12, and vitamin D. This may not seem like it's doing a lot for a while, but you should start seeing some changes if you're patient. I also suggest that she find activities to do, hobbies to pick up, etc. This is where you might need to help out because she will probably not feel like it but she needs to be active. Laying around all day, as you said, mulling about not having a job isn't helping her out at all. It's a great thing to keep yourself busy. Learning new things is a great way to do that so encourage her to pick up a hobby, maybe learn how to play an instrument or something. If you decide nothing is working, a last resort is always prescription medicine. I was put on Prozac about a month and a half ago and it hasn't done much more than make me jittery and give me headaches, although that could possibly just be a personal reaction to it. They tell me that sometimes it takes patience finding the right medicine. I hope this is all helpful in some way and I hope that your girlfriend starts feeling better. Good luck!

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(Rating: 5) Very helpful. Thanks!
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