How can I help my depresssed friend?

Question

Yesterday, one of my best friends attempted suicide. What can I do to help her and make myself feel better?

Answer 1

Ask Jesus to help you. Here are some hotline numbers that can help too.

HELP WITH MENTAL PROBLEMS

Mental Health Info Source 1-800-447-4474 Mental Health Resources and Information

National Institute of Mental Health 1-888-ANXIETY Mental Health Resources and Information

SUICIDE PREVENTION

Suicide & Crisis Hotline [phone] Help for Troubled Teens

National Hope Line Network 1-800-784-2433 Suicide Prevention

SOMEONE TO TALK ABOUT IT TO

Talk Zone 1-800-475-TALK Peer Counselors

Teen Help Line 1-800-400-0900 Help Line For Troubled Teens

Teen Hot Line 1-800-747-8336 Hot Line For Troubled Teens

VOICES In Action, Inc. 1-773-327-1500

Youth Development International 1-800-HIT-HOME (448-4663) Youth Crisis Hotline

National Crisis Line 1-800-334-4357 Crisis Help Line

National Youth Crisis Hotline [phone] Youth Crisis Hotline

Answer 2

I have Bipolar Type 2 (major depressive type) and I think I can help some. The first part that you actually WANT to help will most likely mean a lot to her. I've only had one friend truly try to understand depression and how it works.

If you have a special skill (writing, art, etc) try doing something of that for her. Listen to her problems. Don't brush anything off as "just depression." And, it is honestly best if you don't say "I have experienced the exact same thing" as that, at least to me and other depression afflicted (mental disorder) people, sounds more like you are trying to "fit in" instead of listen.

Keep up with her therapy if she goes, and even research clinical depression (try to find her actual diagnosis if she goes for therapy). This may sound extreme, and it might be if you aren't good friends, but if you are I believe it will be justified in the end. Better minor inconvenience than no friend.

Answer 3

Make sure she seeks professional help. It will really help her to work through her problems. If she doesn't get help it's probable that the depression will continue and she may attempt it again. If she is already receiving psychological help - all you can do is be their for her as a friend just as you were before.

Answer 4

She may not have been attempting suicide... but I would ask her to check out

http://www.recoveryourlife.com

there is a whole community there, with a forum as well, it is the best place for both you and your friend to get help/information.

just try and be there for her, dont go psycho and tell her she has to stop, because you have to understand that depression is hard to get out of - she may want to eventually see a psychologist, which i think would help her tremendousyl.

but make sure you tell her about RYL (recoveryourlife.com), that place saved my life (especially because you dont have to talk directly to someone, you can just write and rant and have ppl who understand).

good luck to both of you.

xx

Answer 5

Put in your favorite MCR cd, and crank up the volume on your headphones.

Get a bunch of paper and a cheap ballpoint pen.

Draw - everything you don’t have words for.
Write - Every lyric that touches you, and every word that describes what has happened.

Don’t ever censor your drawings/writings. You can burn them after if you need to. Or show them to your friend. Or tuck them away in a journal.

My Chemical Romance saves lives, just let them do their work.

Answer 6

Be understanding and non-judgmental of the difficult time she is going through. Give her love and support, and if she hasn't already gotten professional help, make sure she gets it. Offer to go with her to get the help she needs.

Answer 7

All that you can do is be there for her be the person that listens to her and give her advise hangout with her and try to be there when she does feel like this! And dont feel bad because its not your fault that she is doing this! Good Luck!! :)

Answer 8

Also be there for her, listen to her through it all. She really needs help or you are going to lose a dear friend.
Get her to a hospital where they can watch after her as well.

Answer 9

are you sure she's REALLY suicidal or just looking for drama and attention? either way she must be very depressed, try paying a lot of attention to her and advise her to seek help.