Need just a few ideas or suggestions

[HJam5880]

My new boyfriend and I have been dating for two months now and everything has been great. However, recently he has been telling me that he is depressed and anxious a lot. I’ve dealt with both of them before and I know how he feels. I’ve tried to be supportive and tell him that I’m here for him and that I support him in any decisions that he makes. It seems like it isn’t working though. Today he told me that he was shaky all day from anxiety. How do I help him? I’ve tried teaching him coping skills that I’ve learned through therapy also.

Off topic but what are some of your favorite cheap date ideas? Problem is that we both still live at home with parents so it isn’t like we can just hang out and watch a movie even though we would like to. Btw, I’m 22 and he’s 23.

[ElleInformated]

Hi! It is great your boyfriend feels like he can talk to you; he definitely knows you'll understand and will help. I guess as someone who has had something similar happen all I can tell you is ensuring that when they feel anxious/sad you give attention to them. Whether that is making them food, getting them water, putting on a movie, or going for a walk. If his anxiety/depression does get uncontrollable maybe suggest seeing a doctor? My boyfriend and I have spent no more than $10 dollars on most dates. You could set up a projector and watch something. You could start a show together. It is winter time but maybe bundle up and make smores? Considering you are of age you could do a home wine tasting night. There are so many cheap date ideas and I consider them to be more fun than expensive ones.

[Hidden]

If either of your parents would let both of you use the kitchen for awhile, why not try cooking together and making a nice romantic dinner for the two of you? Make a recipe for something you've both never tried to make before, and work together to make it. Dim the lights and set the table with a couple of candles, play some soft music in the background. See if your parents or other family members could stay in other areas of the house for awhile to give both of you a little privacy. And don't forget to clean up and do the dishes afterwards.

[Rafiki11]

The best thing you can do for someone who is feeling depressed and anxious is to listen to them, show them love, and suggest professional help from a medical doctor or therapist or psychiatrist.

Just remember it’s not your job to cure his depression and anxiety. That’s above your pay grade. ❤️❤️❤️

[lovetodance2018]

Thank you for reaching out and sharing. It is wonderful that you are there for your boyfriend and that you can relate to what he is going through. It is important that he gets professional help by seeing a counselor and possibly going on medication. Depression is a chemical imbalance that happens in the brain. I know for myself and my husband who both struggle with depression, having the right medication helps get the chemicals balanced. However, it also has to do with our thoughts and how we deal with things in life. Usually, there are things from the past we are still holding on to, or the way we cope with things affects how we deal with situations. I will be praying that he gets the help he needs.

On another note here a is a link to great date ideas that are inexpensive. (bzfd.it/2XLzMFI) Hugs and God Bless

[HJam5880]

Well, we had our date tonight. I had a really good time, until he wanted more from me if you know what I mean. I didn’t know what to do but I told him I wasn’t ready and he knew that, but we kissed for the first time and basically had a make out session which I really wasn’t comfortable with. I’m just not ready and I feel like it was going really fast. I could tell he wanted more but he didn’t want to because I didn’t want to. I know I should tell him I wasn’t comfortable but I don’t want to hurt his feelings. We went to dinner then went to his moms where he lives to watch a movie. I met his stepdad and sister but his mom was at work, they were nice and left us alone, which was great. He is meeting my mom and stepfather tomorrow.

[lovetodance2018 in reply to HJam5880]

I am glad you went on a date and that you had a good time. It sounds like he didn't want to pressure you, but you should let him know what you are comfortable with. If he cares about you he will understand and if he pushes you, then he isn't the guy you should be with. Respect is very important in a relationship and so is communication. So don't keep your feelings from him. Here is a book (bit.ly/2LOEi41) about dating and respect. I hope you find it helpful. Hugs

[HJam5880 in reply to lovetodance2018]

I ended up telling him already and it was so great because he apologized for the uncomfortable situation. He also was very understanding.