Alcoholism & Severe Depression

[damo666]

Hello, my best friend and flat-mate suffers from both of the above and we're having real trouble in getting him the help that he desparately needs. He's spent time in the local mental health place and many hours in A&E. He has made several attempts on his life and is currently in police custody as I called them last night as a very last resort. Every doctor, psychiatrist and carer seem to wait until he's sobered up and give him tablets and discharge him. I know that this is a real brief description but does anyone please know of any helplines that I can call to get help for him and to advise me on how to treat him. I have just spoken to the local 'MIND' group who have also said that we'll "get back to you". I'm very frustrated at the moment and could do with a listening ear. Any help that you can give me will be much apreciated. Thank you D.C.

[melons]

Hello damo666,
I dont want to sound patronising but they might say we will get back to you as it has to be the person that actually contacts them for help. However if that is the answer they would get it doesnt hold out much hope does it? If he has tried taking his life i am very shocked that they havent sectioned him. I know this sounds harsh but maybe he needs to be somewhere where the person can watch him and help him come off the drink and build him up mentally. many Doctors seem to throw tablets at people are depressed i have come to wounder if it is maybe because they dont have the time and resorces to actually get to the bottom of the problem. I know that doesnt help you i can imagine it is very worring to sit and watch your friend go through that and not be able to do anything. I wont say speak to the Doctor as they will say they can discuss it with you as they would be breaking Confidentiality. Have you tried going to the Doctors with them? have you spoken to the police where he is and explained the situation?
http://www.plymouth-hypnotherapist.co.uk/depre ssion.html this is a website i found about depression you may have seen it but it might be of some use, i hope anyway.
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/campaigns/changingmin ds/mentaldisorders/depression.aspx
this one cover depression and alcohol related problems.
I really hope they help you and i hope you dont give up trying to help, most friends would have turned their back and moved out. They are lucky to have you. Hope that they get better and that you find the help you need.
Melons.