[too SHy]

My friend suffers from dysthymia She is becoming more and more isolated. She never leaves the apt. at all. HELP

Does your friend have any family that you might speak with and express your concerns? Maybe the family could help?

[tranquility84]

Yes. crackingslowly is right, family is important in times like this, especially if she is close to them.

I haven't left my apartment, except for one time last week to see the doctor, since Nov 13. I wouldn't have left my apartment, if not for constant support and encouragement from my family.

[Rose76]

It sounds like the dysthymia has evolved into real depression. Your friend might also have a social phobia problem.

In any case, I think the best thing you can do is to invite her to go out of the house with you from time to time. I think the sooner you start, the easier it will be to get her moving. Just plan little short trips. Ask her to go to the store with you. (She must need to do some shopping occasionally, herself.) You can also visit with her in her home, but I would not do too much of that, or you could be reinforcing her staying stuck in her place.

It's good of you to care about her. She is very lucky to know someone who does.

[too SHy]

My friend's family is hundreds of miles away, but she talks to them on the phone. I have no info other than that. She has even posted a sign on her door to not disturb. I am thinking she needs maybe the hospital.

[Rose76]

I can understand how the sign poses a dilemma for you. I would consider disregarding the do-not-disturb sign one time. You could just say that you are very concerned, as it seems you are. Or . . . you could leave a note taped to her door, and see if the note gets taken in. Another option is to call local police and express your concern. They will visit her and simply inquire if she is all right. I'm not sure if they will conceal your identity as the person who called them. You could ask. She is likely to figure out who called anyway.

This was done for me once. I was okay. The police were very nice and not overly intrusive.

[too SHy]

Thanks for all the advise, I am happy to report I made contact with my friend on the phone today and she is doing better, but was pretty sick there for awhile. I kept leaving a phone msg and was going to call someone from "outside" but she seems to be allright now. thanks a lot