A friend has gone from outgoing and confident to staying inside all day and rarely leaving his house...?!


Question: A friend has gone from outgoing and confident to staying inside all day and rarely leaving his house....?
I've known this guy for a good 4 years now, when we met we were both 17 and he was really confident, outgoing, friendly, etc.

Now, 4 years on, he stays inside all the time, rarely goes shopping (for anything), seems to think so little of himself and hardly ever speaks to me.

We live in the same area, so I usually walk round to see him, but sometimes he just tells me to go away, but I'm so worried about him.

He used to live in a house with his ex girlfriend, but they split up (this was 2 years ago) and around a year ago he became how he is now.

Should I grant his wishes and leave him alone.? Or should I try to find out what's wrong with him.?

I think it may be some form of depression, but surely he should be getting help. Staying inside 24/7 (with going out in his garden) is no way for anybody to live, and honestly, it hurts me to see him stuck in a house all day.

I've tried getting him to come on short walks with me or even just to come shopping, but he won't.
It's almost like he is afraid to leave his house, for some reason.

What should I do.?
I so badly want to help him, even if I just get him out of the house for 15 minutes, at least he gets to breathe some fresh air.

Thanks.
PS: I don't want any idiots answering who thinks this is funny. Health Question & Answer


Answers:
It could be depression. Social withdrawal is a classic symptom. I will list below things he can do to get better. Of course, a visit to his doctor is called for, but if you can't him to do that, you can try some of the below.

Depression is caused by a lack of serotonin in the brain. Antidepressants increase the amount of serotonin. He might have to try more than one antidepressant before he finds the right one for him. But there are tens of dozens of them out there. This is the fastest and surest way to getting him back to his old self.

If he is afraid to leave the house, it could also be agoraphobia. People with agoraphobia are generally afraid to leave their homes. I list one article on this below. You can find many more by Googling the word "agoraphobia."

This list, for treatments for depression, is written as though you were the sufferer. If you don't mind changing the pronoun in your head from you to "he" or "him," I would be appreciative. I am addicted to Yahoo Answers, and my husband has told me it's time to log off. Again, remember to change the pronoun. I know you are writing about your friend who won't leave the house, not you.

Here's the list:

Until you get into the see the doctor, here are some things you can try to get you through the days:

1) remember you only have to make it through today, only today;

2) Rescue Remedy, sold at all Whole Foods and other health food stores. Use every fifteen minutes until you get some relief. It's OTC, no RX needed;

3) Serotain. also over the counter. I recommend the brand listed in the URL below. It really helps me;

4) exercise. I know it's the last thing you want to do, but it does release endorphins, which can mitigate the depression temporarily;

5) meditation. It helps me to listen to new-age music with no lyrics. Don't do it if sitting alone trying to meditate makes you cry, though;

6) get out of the house. One of the first psychiatrists I ever saw recommended this. I have been shopping with a red nose (from crying) countless times. I guess it's the additional stimulation that distracts you, but for some ridiculous reason, it does work. I know you don't want to go out, but try to force yourself;

7) have your vitamin D levels checked at your doctor

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