Girlfriend has chronic depression

1) it is NOT YOUR JOB to be her lifeline, it is your job to be her boyfriend. If she's in over her head, or you are, or you think he might be, talk to her parents or a school counselor. Talk to someone. You are not doing her any favors by trying to prop her up by yourself.

I don't say that to be harsh, I've just been in that situation before and I had boyfriends "cover for me" when I was in a bad place. It was so well intended, but only delayed me getting real help.

2) if outpatient therapy isn't working for her, she may need 1) different medication 2) different therapist 3) support group 4) intensive outpatient 5) partial hospitalization -PHP is a day program- or 6) inpatient. None of these things are bad or wrong! I've been through all of them and only wish I hadn't had to find them on my own after hitting rock bottom!

If options including intensive outpatient, medication, or a day program come up, do your best to discuss them openly and without stigma! These are just tools in the toolbox to treat depression. The more open you are to her getting treatment, the more open she'll be.

/r/Advice Thread