hmmm hi guys

my first post here, im hoping to find some advice to help my boyfriend who seems to be depressed. i dont know if it maybe goes deeper, sometimes he seems really happy which makes me guess he could possibly be bipolar. some of his symptoms:

-sadness for no reason, he doesnt know why
-sometimes he seems to think im out to get him in small ways. like when i had a problem w my paycheck and had to borrow a few hundred for a few days to make rent he seemed to think i was using (after being together for a year he should know better, imo) when he does get these little ideas he comes around quickly, they may very well stem from the fact that he has been HUGELY disappointed in life by other females, some girlfriends but especially his mother who abandoned him.)

until about a week ago he was drinking every night. outside his few very brief episodes of grumpiness and paranoia (hey i know i have my bad moments as well, dont we all?) he is the sweetest person youd ever want to know, very considerate and funny. BUT when he drinks... he kind of turns into an jerk. he was drinking a lot, but he quit cold turkey awhile ago and he is his sweet self, but since he isnt drinking he is also thinking more on his sadness. i dont know if this inability to handle alcohol is a signal to anything. he has battled addiction in the past but thankfully for him no major battles. i know when i drink, i get very silly, but when he drinks he can get downright mean which makes me think there is some problem w him and alcohol, even tho he doesnt seem to be "addicted" (in that he seemed to be able to quit cold turkey without much problem)

he has done talk therapy and meds and he says he just doesnt know how to be happy, and he doesnt want to try therapy or meds again. i told him maybe he just didnt find the right therapist / meds to fit him... but id also be very interested in alternative / natural routes to go along w a western approach.

thanks anyone for any info!

This post has been edited by katvonstella: Jul 15 2008, 10:36 AM

i'm sorry to hear that he's on this path and in this suffering state of mind, and that he won't seek medical help. medical help is important in getting the right diagnosis and treatment.

as far as alternative therapies, he needs the support of family and loved ones, as well as exercise. those should help him a lot.

but i HIGHLY encourage the medical route, because he needs a diagnosis. maybe it does run deeper than depression, who knows? a qualified doctor will be able to evaluate him and plan the best course of action.

guessing in mental health, like in any health, is not a good thing.