It seems that most of the comments are suggesting that eating in bed is isolating and not helpful. I have to agree. When I was suicidal, I went to the psych ward for a couple of weeks. I remember that one of my first interactions was to be invited to eat breakfast with the rest of the patients. I wanted to eat in my bed. Eating with the other patients was the beginning of my getting better. For me, I needed to break the spell of isolating and comfort addiction. Living alone, I returned to these self- defeating behaviors over and over again, but the effort to do something that was initially uncomfortable, proved extremely beneficial. I fight this same battle daily....but, doing things out of my comfort zone brings me hope that my life can improve and I can be more content. My feeling is that, if your patient is able to get out of the bed for his/her meals, that is what should be done. It is worth the effort despite her potential resentment.

You have a good heart and a good, practical sense about what is going on with this man. It will ultimately have to be something that he wants to do and all you can do is keep encouraging him without judgment...which you are doing. He is lucky to have you! I hope that he will find the reason and make the effort to rejoin life because that is the only way his depression can possibly improve.

Hi @A MyDepressionTeam Member, For those that are isolating, it appears they lack the energy and the initiative to not isolate. They are not getting any better nor do they improve, but it is what they can do at the moment. It's hard as a caregiver to watch it happen; suggesting small steps often comes across as prescriptive and "we know what is best for you." That can make a person feel worse if they really can't do anything at the moment. Right now, I'll provide the basics, food, water, love and hope that time will help heal them. I wish they would consider some kind of peer therapy, conduct basic hygiene regularly and other small steps, but I also sense they are depressing so much they cannot even fathom doing anything at all but watching YouTube to avoid suicidal ideation and other bad thoughts. It's so complex and I struggle everyday on how to help. Like you said, "no one can do it for you, but you can." I think that is key....it has to come from within.

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A MyDepre...

For people who are isolating. Are you getting any better? Doubt it. Are you lonely? Probably. Are you sleeping morning , noon and night? Not good, doesn't improve anything, just makes it worse. The more you isolate the harder it is to take a small step to bring you back to living. Is it easy? No! But with small steps and not giving up, pushing yourself and giving yourself small rewards, it is possible. Might not completely go away but you can start to live again. No one can do it for you, but you can. Please do not give up!!

Enabling