• Question: I have a freind who is alive due to IVF, he has recently started to show signs of chronic depression. How can I help him overcome his noobieness?

    Asked by tudg3 to Hermine, Katy, Laura, Nathalie, Paula on 22 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Nathalie Pettorelli

      Nathalie Pettorelli answered on 22 Jun 2010:

      Hi tudg3,

      There is no apriori reason to think that being born thanks to IVF and showing signs of depression are linked – why is he/she depress? is she/he talking to you about it? An excellent way to help a friend is to listen – sometimes what we need is just an attentive hear 😉

    • Photo: Paula Salgado

      Paula Salgado answered on 22 Jun 2010:

      Hi tudg3

      I’m really sorry to hear that… Do you think it has anything to do with IVF and if so, why would you think that?…

      In any case, the best thing you can do is be there to support your friend and let him know he’s not alone and lots of people like him and enjoy spending time with him. Also, try to find ways to help him have fun and feel part of a group.

      I hope that he feels better and that you and your friends can help him fight this! 😉

    • Photo: Katy Mee

      Katy Mee answered on 22 Jun 2010:

      Hi tudg3….

      Are you saying that you think your friend has developed depression because of the IVF or do you think there are other factors involved? And what is it about the IVF that you think is making your friend depressed?

      I think as with everything, the best thing you can do is talk to them and try to undersatnd exactly what it is that is upsetting them and just listent to what they have to say. I had someone very close to me who suffered from depression and as the friend it is very difficult to hear someone putting themselves down constantly because you’re natural reaction is to just say ‘but nobody else thinks that….’. Sadly that doesn’t always work but trying to understand what makes them feel that way is probably the best thing.

      So perhaps read up a bit about depression and how to help someone with depression, and also read up about IVF so you know the fulll story. Hope that helps 🙂

    • Photo: Hermine Schnetler

      Hermine Schnetler answered on 22 Jun 2010:

      This sounds like a problem for the professionals. Ask your friend to go and see his/her GP.

    • Photo: Laura Dixon

      Laura Dixon answered on 22 Jun 2010:

      Oh, that’s a shame. Is he depressed b/c he was concieved through IVF or for other reasons?
      Either way, the best thing you can do is be there for him, listen to him and encourage him to talk to a professional – doctor or psychologist to help him work through his unhappiness. It’s great that you’re concerned and friends like you will help him get through this rough patch 🙂

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