Help for my Nephew

[maggi999]

The short story is that my 'lovely' sister threw my nephew out of the family home when he was suffering from depression and had just lost his job (due to being depressed and not knowing that he needed to get a sick note for work).

He had a similar episode last year as well resulting in him leaving the first year of his A level courses. He has been living with me n' hubby for about 8 weeks now and has improved greatly ,so much so that, after a phone call to his place of work to by me to explain his circumstances, they have re-employed him this week!

The pattern above leads me to believe that he has SAD and I would welcome any advice from members about how to use a SAD lamp to prevent any further episodes of depression for him, thank you

[chloe40]

Hello there maggi999

What a wonderful lady you are! You seem to have taken your nephew under your understanding wing and you should be very proud of yourself for helping him. You've managed to get his job back which is wonderful, and established that there seems to be a pattern emerging here.

NHS guidelines state the treatment for SAD

includes using talking treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or medication such as antidepressants.

Light therapy is also a popular treatment for SAD, although NICE says it's not clear whether it's effective.

There's excellent information here but I would make the first stop an appointment with his Doctor asap.

nhs.uk/Conditions/Seasonal-...

I do hope your nephew finds the treatment that suits him and do let us know how you get on.

Warm wishes

Chloe

[maggi999 in reply to chloe40]

Thank you for the prompt reply Chloe

Yes, he has been diagnosed, it's just that I think the pattern suggests SAD. He has tried anti- depressants but felt worse on them and has had 'counselling' (6 sessions, 2 weeks between each session). I'm going to get him on a CBT/mindfulness course later in the year. x

[chloe40 in reply to maggi999]

Hi maggi999

I'm very pleased that he has been diagnosed. Regarding anti-depressants, it may take trying other types before giving up completely on these, so do ask him to go back to his Doctor Maggie. I have heard about 6 sessions of counselling and I find it so hard to believe that anyone can benefit from 6 sessions? maybe I'm wrong, I do hope so.

Mindfulness I am very much in favour of, and there are many that your nephew can listen to free on the internet, and I try to do the 'body scan' especially if I'm feeling anxious and it only takes 12-14minutes.

I can't comment on CBT for his problem but I'm sure you will be advised.

Keep caring

Chloe

[sweetiepye]

Hello Maggi, Welcome, you are sure to get some help and support here. I'm not questioning your diagnosis of your nephew's symptoms, but we recommend one by a Doctor if that hasn't been done already. That would also ensure access to medication if needed. I wonder if at this point you might start to involve your sister in her son's well being? (I know you didn't ask for advice in this area so it may not apply) In stead of being grateful she will probably be resentful and see you as interfering .Your nephew is very lucky to have your love and support.. I f you don't get an answer here in a day or so, try Googling it. Pam

[maggi999 in reply to sweetiepye]

Hi Sweetiepye, thanks for your reply. You are very perceptive! Yes my sister is resentful - because he is getting better whilst he's in my care! It's as if she wants him to be ill, but theirs is a complex relationship.

He has tried anti- depressants but felt worse on them and has had 'counselling' (6 sessions, 2 weeks between each session). I'm going to get him on a CBT/mindfulness course later in the year.

So he has been diagnosed, it's just that I think the pattern suggests SAD. x

[sweetiepye in reply to maggi999]

I don't doubt that you are on the right track, just covering all bases. Be sure to let us know how you get on. Pam

[mysmugcat]

Bless you. I work with young people it can be very rewarding. I believe you can get SAD lamps that come on gradually in the morning emitting light. You can sit near the light at a desk etc too.

[chloe40 in reply to mysmugcat]

You're right mysmugcat maggi999

My daughter often works nights which never agree with her. She did buy a lamp that comes on gradually, mimicking dawn and gradually gets brighter. I'll find out more about this and let you know.

Chloe

[maggi999]

Thanks mysmugcat, that's a great suggestion, I could get him an alarm clock that lights up gradually. His desk at work is near a window and so I've told him to make sure the blinds are open so that he gets as much light as possible. x