If you see someone headed down depression lane at lightning spped to s/destruct, how do you lift them out?

Question

Seriously though, no drugs or silly comments. If you know you have a friend who is in a very fragile state of mind where nothing seems to have any meaning anymore, or really matter, what do you do? Counselling has been discussed, but I think it's too far gone for that. Granted misery does not need company it needs help, so what help can one offer? It feels so helpless..

Answer 1

I really feel for you. It is horrible to see a friend going through this. The sad thing is, short of telling your friend you are there for him/her there is little you can do. He or she is responsible for his/her own actions and feelings and it takes a lot of courage to accept that sometimes you can't do much to help them. Just being there is all you can do, lend a listening ear and tell your friend about counselling services. If you live in the UK there is the Samaritans to ring - you could ring them for a listening ear yourself if you need support on dealing with your friend. I'm so sorry for you, but the truth is you can't lift somneone out of their own feelings - they have to do it. It is up to them. It's one of the hardest things in life to learn that you can't be responsible for sorting someone else's life out for them, not even a counsellor can do that, only the person concerned. I really hope your friend realises how much care and support he/she has around him and feels the reason to pull out it. Sending you both hugs.

Answer 2

If the situation is serious enough, that counseling is no longer an option, then you need share your concerns with the family (whether they care or not), and your local law enforcement.

Obviously, you are somewhat close to this person, so use your powers of persuasion to get them to a inpatient facility; even if it's only for a couple days.

This person's anger at your interference will be nothing compared to your guilty feelings if they actually commit suicide.

TOUGH LOVE before it's too late.

Answer 3

Just remember the other person feels even more helpless than you could possibly imagine. Short of professional help (and maybe offering to go along with them), never telling them their feelings are wrong (feelings can never be wrong) and helping the person find or create something to look forward to might be a start.
.

Answer 4

I'd prepare a candle light dinner for my friend with some amazing deserts ,like chocolate ice cream{believe me it works}

and secondly just talk to my friend and tell her its ultimately you who has to get out of this depression, even though i wish to get inside your brain and remove this depression,it wont happen..I'd sit and find solutions for her helplessness..And let me tell you , its just that many a times we dont want to take OUR PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITY , which leads us to depression...

Please be happy , life is beautiful, love yourself , thats the only way others can love you ..

KEEP SMILING

All the best and all will be well !

Answer 5

you sound like your doing all you can, be patient but be there, i honestly believe depression is a solo affliction but with friends around you like yourself there is always hope, i wish your friend and yourself all the luck you will need and be strong

Answer 6

you need to get him to a doctor. he needs to be on medication. if it is true depression it is a chemical condition and needs a chemical fix. I am sure that your being there with him (and for him) means alot to him. True friends are hard to come by.

Answer 7

too gone for counselling? if a counseler can't help what the heck do you think you can do? their trained your not

Answer 8

boost their moral, make them feel they are needed by someone and can be achiever if that is what bothering him