[purrky]

My sister was hospitalized for 2 weeks a month ago, and is still severely depressed. She lives all alone, has no close friends, lost her job and is unlikely to get another one any time soon. She lives across the country from me (her sister), and the rest of her family (brother and his family, and perhaps another brother). We would like her to come home for at least a month or two. I have had depression before, and she very much likes to talk with me on the phone (to cling to me, she says) and has said she appreciates my patience. (On the other hand, she is not entirely comfortable with coming home because she is afraid we'll depress each other, although my depression was 10 years ago. I live alone too.)

Is it a good idea to strongly encourage her to come home? She is not going to motivate herself to do this without a lot of strong encouragement. Should we take it easy, waiting until she expresses more enthusiasm herself? Or is moving to be with someone (family) something that is very important and should be done reasonably quickly (how quickly?) despite difficulties? She moves and thinks very slowly and unhappily, her mind is "fudge" as she says. Will we stress her out more by helping her over the phone to do what is needed, or is it worth it?

Having someone fly over to help her is a possibility, but might cause more stress all around.

We do need to consider her medical and medication needs too, but that is a further topic.

[Nike007]

I’m sorry about your sister.

Travelling in my mind would be quite hard on someone with depression. There’s a lot of energy needed to get everything to go. But if you are close to your sister, and she feels fine around everyone else, then being with other people would help. I think you can encourage it, but it’s up to your sister to decide what to do. There are pros and cons to each option. I hope your sister feels better soon.

[MickeyCheeky]

Ask her if she feels like doing that - perhaps withouth being too pushy.