I have a friend who is really depressed...?

Question

He doesn't have any ambition or goals in life. I asked him why he doesn't want to go to college, and he said it's because there's nothing he could stand to do for a career. He says he's unhappy and he doesn't think that there's any way he'll ever be happy.

Any advice??

Answer 1

I have a friend exactly like that. And he already sees a therapist. He tries to have fun but all his friends just seem to rub it in his face that they have relationships and are happy and he is alone. And he refuses to put effort into finding a girlfriend, or passing his classes, LAst semester he failed everything but one class simply because he stopped going to a few of them and was too depressed and unmotivated to do well on the rest, bc he decided he didnt like that major anymore. I have no idea how to help him, I think I hurt him more than help bc I also parade my boyfriend around and never really make time for him... So I dont know what to advice, except that IF you really want to go out of your way to help him then just show him that someone cares and thinks that he is not a complete failure and that you believe in him and will be there for him . Show that he has someone to talk to ( you) and that he needs to get out there and live. Make him go out w your friends more, hopefully he'll see that there are things to strive for and live for, when he sees others and you doing them...

Answer 2

It's good that you care about your friend. Though, take him to a counselor or clinic because he may be showing signs of clinical depression, which medication helps out alot. Show him you're supportive and don't force anything on him unless you may feel something is threatening his health an well being. Depression is very much real, and all health conditions are not just physical, they're mental. Though depression cannot be cured fully, medication aides in curbing symptoms, along with friendship and tenderness. Remember, that cases of depression can end in suicide, so show him you're there, and that you care for him. This actually reminds of a song called Time, Love and Tenderness.

Answer 3

There could be a multitude of reasons why your friend is depressed. It could be a social change, lack of inspiration, or a loss of something or someone. If it appears to be unsolvable, you might want to suggest he seek professional help. But just know that your friend needs your support now more than ever. Ultimately, he is the only one who can snap out of his slump. Although he may not think college is an answer to his goals, maybe he just needs to find out what his interests are in. He doesn't necessarily need to decide on a major, but he might want to explore a few different subjects that interests him in a junior college.

Answer 4

The first thing to be done is see to it that your friend gets to a psychiatrist for an evaluation. It can always be that he's just plane lazy, but, if it turns out that he is clinically depressed, there are medications to deal with the problem. Depression is not only no fun to go through and no fun to watch, it's dangerous. The pills work. I'm bipolar myself and can say from experience that without my drugs I become very unpleasent to be around, too far down to get up, and suicidal. Insist the boy see somebody.

Answer 5

Get him some help. There may be something he needs to talk over with someone outside his circle that won't say anything to anyone, but can be there to him, like a cousoler or something. Being depressed is alright for a minute but long term is not good. He may need to get put on some meds or something. Hope it is nothing serious and good luck.

Answer 6

did he lose a loved one? or a job? or has anything chanced in his life? has his behavior recently changed? is there a possibility that he can be on drugs? or none of the above? if not he needs to have a friend like you talk to him into going to a dr for help. id prefer him to have a physical and if everything pans out a-okay then, id have him go to his local mental health facility to get evaluated. this does not make him mental. maybe he needs an ssi. that is a serotonin inhibitor. its very common my friend. he feels hopeless and their are cures for depression and or anxiety. he does not need to feel this way. and there is help out there. look after your friend indeed you are. if there is any kind of suicidal thoughts don't wait around. talk to his family a/s/a/p. i wish him wellness soon thanks Kat

Answer 7

I don't know if you are aware that depression is not a state of mind but a bio-chemical imbalance in the brain. Your friend needs counselling - psycho-therapy and Prozac. Without treatment it will linger on or stop and re-occur. Depression can be life threatening or debilitating.

Answer 8

You should definately tell someone you trust about it. Depression can lead to possible suicide, and depression medication could really help him. Actually, about 80% of all people diagnosed with depression are cured. You should contact someone as soon as possible, especially if he is very close to college age, so he can hopefully turn his life around before it's too late.

Answer 9

He needs to see a doctor and get help for his depression. If he doesn't want to go to college that is fine but he needs to do something to make his life mean something. Not for anyone else but himself.

Answer 10

He needs to help himself. You can only guide him. Maybe suggest he talk to a therapist...just someone to listen and kind of help him through. Hopefully one day he'll realize he needs to take command of his own life and make it better for himself. I wish him all the best.