A Friend Needs Help

[Waxman]

I have a good friend who got hit by lightning a number of years ago. As a result he has had panic attacks that have worsened lately.

He called me today in tears and said he was at his breaking point. He is seeing a doctor and a pastor and a shrink. He's eaten little since Monday and has a hard time doing anything.

Do you have any experience with this? I'd appreciate any suggestions, as long as they are sincere.

Thanks!

 

[MEP001]

I'd suggest calling his doctor and his shrink and ask how to help. They will know better how he'll need help from his friends than anyone.

 

[Waxman]

Good idea. maybe i will talk to his wife, too.

 

[Dray27]

Speaking from experience as I am a Paramedic there are several things you can do here. The doctor and shrink are not going to give you case specific info so anything they will tell you is going to be General knowledge. Which depending on how bad his anxiety/depression is might not help at all.

Several things you need to look for. Has he recently completely withdrawn from public settings. If you were to surprise visit him at home does he keep his house dark with all blinds curtains closed. You said he doesn't eat much has he lost a lot of weight. Is the skin under his eyes black to ashy color?
Has he mentioned any kind of plan if he were to die.

The best thing you can do as a friend at this point is not to leave him alone.
and yes he may get mad at you and blow up but in the end he will appreciate it. If most of the things i stated a moment ago are true the DO NOT leave him alone. He will probably not want to leave the house so go over there have a poker night or whatever he likes to do. If he is married usually the spouse does not realize how bad the depression really is so you will need to talk with her, but do not make it appear that you are ganging up on him it will only make it worse.

 

[Waxman]

thank you. going over there soon...

 

[MEP001]

The doctor and shrink are not going to give you case specific info

This is true (Doctor/patient confidentiality), but they can still tell you what you can do that will help him. Also true that if he's not left alone, he won't have a chance to commit suicide if he plans to do so. Keep in mind that just because he isn't talking about killing himself doesn't mean he's not considering it, in fact he may lie and say he's not if he really plans to, so it's best to not even ask that specific question.

 

[rph9168]

Some good information.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/panic_disorder_anxiety_attack_symptom_treatment.htm

 

[Waxman]

it is good; thanks!

 

[Fatboy769]

http://www.midwestcenter.com/ Waxman, I would check this site out as well. A few years back, I went through the same thing your friend is going through with the panic attacks and it's something I wouldn't wish on anybody. There's been alot of good information provided in previous post and I hope this helps.

 

[Dray27]

Wax, here is an article that might help you a little better from your standpoint

http://www.have-a-heart.com/help-a-friend.html

 

[Jim H.]

There is a book "Change your brain, Change your life that discusses the physiology of the brain and its relationship to depression, anxiety and suicide, not the psychology. It references many cases of trauma to the head/brain with subsequent depression and anxiety. The only reason I would mention a book like this is the lightening strike, I truly hope you are able to help.

 

[Waxman]

Update

Stopped in yesterday to see him. He is better. On a new low-dose medicine that is helping. Says he found religion in his lowest point of the 4-day panic attack, which he described as a feeling of being in a crashing airplane.

Will keep going there and being available for him.

Thanks everyone; I used the links and advice and thankfully he seems better.