I would like to help my friend who has started to become depressed but I don't know what to say. Please help. Thanks.
2006-12-20 11:44:55 · 18 answers · asked by SN 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
I suffer from depression and so do a lot of people, some temporarily and others like me for a long time. The best thing you can do for your friend is to be a comfort to her or him. Encourage him or her whenever you can. Include them when you do something or go somewhwere. Encourage them to be productive and let them know they are of value. Find out the reason for their depression and address that issue if you can. Most people who are depressed feel very alone. Remember this and do all you can for them.
2006-12-20 11:49:25 · answer #1 · answered by Lewis P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, you could tell them that they could be bald; fat; and approaching their mid 30's, **** that's me!!!!!!!!!
Sorry, i have to make stupid joke's, as i a have suffered from depression for a long time, i used to 'self medicate' as one councilor called it, but i stopped and that helped a hell of a lot. sadly there is no magic cure for the big 'D', but as a friend you should know that just being there helps, more than any words, the trick is, as a friend, not to push too much, just be a friend. Positive distractions : exercise; fresh air; new interests; good books' the alchemist' by Paulo coelho, is an excellent read. I found that learning new things and writing poetry helped, but everyone is different. Just remember that everyone gets down at some point in their lives, depression is when it happens for no apparent reason. As i said, all you can do as a good friend is to be there, and if it doesn't go away then they need to think about professional help, and try all natural options before any medication is considered.
2006-12-20 12:11:45 · answer #2 · answered by adrianhartwell 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if the depression is very serious, talk them into seeing a professional. If they're just feeling the "holiday blues", just let them know they have a shoulder to cry on if they need it. Take it from me. My wife passed away this year and if it weren't for some very good friends that promised to be there if I needed anything at all, I wouldn't be here right now. To a depressed person, there is nothing more valuable than a good friend that's willing to listen and is sincere at trying to understand what that person's going through. The bottom line is... what do you say? Say that you're there for them if they need someone to talk to.
2006-12-20 12:02:25 · answer #3 · answered by zosofan59 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to tell you dear that helping a depressed friend takes a little more than words.
You have to help your friend get over it by expanding her interests in things that take her away from the cause of depression.
If it were the loss of a loved one-for example- remind her that those living still need her, that there's a lot she can do for her own life to go on and improve.... and so on.
2006-12-20 11:50:32 · answer #4 · answered by HEND A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not to much info her to really say to much to you. Is she suicidal, how do you know she is depressed, how old are she and what is your age. The only thing I can say to do is to ask her to go see a counsler to help her out with her depression. Let someone know what is going on with her.
2006-12-20 11:49:20 · answer #5 · answered by Clara 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The best way to fight a depression, or any other health problem is to: LEARN EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. The more you know the easier is to deal with. Y O U ARE YOUR BEST DOCTOR .
2006-12-20 11:58:17 · answer #6 · answered by schuschtermat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find an engrossing hobby to become engrossed in together, like gourmet cooking, stamp collecting, or join a church group.
2006-12-20 11:48:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell him/her how much u love thim [as a friend] and also tell them how great life is. Talk about the things they like, if you can convince them life is fun then they may become happy again.
2006-12-20 11:47:19 · answer #8 · answered by n/a 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you not telling us much, like why she is feeling like that. may be it is something that we have also went through.
any way just being there and listen to her it the biggest thing that you can ever give to someone hurting.
good luck with you friend and hope she gets through it.
2006-12-20 11:48:18 · answer #9 · answered by ------------------------ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell your friend to seek treatment before it gets worse, there are so many medications that are helpful along with therapy, they will be better so much sooner than trying to work it out on their own.
Priscilla
2006-12-20 11:47:07 · answer #10 · answered by Priscilla H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋