W
Walter1407
Guest
Good day!
A close female friend of mine has been suffering from severe depression for a few years. Psychotherapy does not help much, and the medication she is taking makes her sleep for 10 or even 12 hours per day. She has become more and more afraid of things and especially of people.
On the few occasions when I managed to motivate her to join me for a day of cycling or hiking, she brightened psychologically, even if she was very tired physically.
I have recently suggested to her to join me from the outset of my pilgrimage which will begin in March next year. She'll of course be able to quit any time she wants. I am starting 1400 miles from Santiago, planning to take it easy all the way, and especially during the first days.
My hope is that the Camino will help her get away from the circles of dark thoughts that are turning in her head. My fear is that things, something, will run out of control, and that her situation could become worse than it was before. Currently, she would not be able to walk alone. I believe that the Camino could be of great benefit to her, but I cannot be sure. And I don't want to encourage her to do something that could hurt her.
Assuming that she joins me, and assuming that things go well, I think she'll have to adjust (reduce) her medication at some point. We would have to sort this out by contacting the doctor by telephone. Probably because of her medication, my friend cannot handle strong sunlight and heat well. Should we manage to get as far as Spain together, this could become an issue, and is one of the reasons I would prefer to walk the (physically harder) Camino del Norte.
I have talked to my friend's psychiatrist who is hesitant. As she doesn't know much about the Camino I would much appreciate any feedback (forum reply or private message) that might help us take the right decisions. Thanks!
A close female friend of mine has been suffering from severe depression for a few years. Psychotherapy does not help much, and the medication she is taking makes her sleep for 10 or even 12 hours per day. She has become more and more afraid of things and especially of people.
On the few occasions when I managed to motivate her to join me for a day of cycling or hiking, she brightened psychologically, even if she was very tired physically.
I have recently suggested to her to join me from the outset of my pilgrimage which will begin in March next year. She'll of course be able to quit any time she wants. I am starting 1400 miles from Santiago, planning to take it easy all the way, and especially during the first days.
My hope is that the Camino will help her get away from the circles of dark thoughts that are turning in her head. My fear is that things, something, will run out of control, and that her situation could become worse than it was before. Currently, she would not be able to walk alone. I believe that the Camino could be of great benefit to her, but I cannot be sure. And I don't want to encourage her to do something that could hurt her.
Assuming that she joins me, and assuming that things go well, I think she'll have to adjust (reduce) her medication at some point. We would have to sort this out by contacting the doctor by telephone. Probably because of her medication, my friend cannot handle strong sunlight and heat well. Should we manage to get as far as Spain together, this could become an issue, and is one of the reasons I would prefer to walk the (physically harder) Camino del Norte.
I have talked to my friend's psychiatrist who is hesitant. As she doesn't know much about the Camino I would much appreciate any feedback (forum reply or private message) that might help us take the right decisions. Thanks!