help my depressed friends?
2007-05-15 08:26:33 · 11 answers · asked by Mant98 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I was on the other end of your situation...(the depressed friend). I found it most helpful when my friends were there for me, but not TOO CLOSE. Sometimes I would feel smothered if they called or stopped by all the time, but it did help to know that they were there for me, and I could call them in the middle of the night no matter what. There's only so much you can do without getting too involved. My friends encouraged me to see a therapist, and I finally did it. They went with me to the office, and waited for me to finish with the session, they would invite me to go do things just so i would get out of the house, etc.
Best of luck to you and your friends.
2007-05-15 08:56:03 · answer #1 · answered by wranglergirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know that this will be cliche, but just be an ear and a shoulder for them. Tell them that you are at their disposal at any time of the day.
You will have to get to the heart of the matter of course, and help them face the reality and be a comfort for them when they tackle it head on. Tell them that they have the strength to get through this and show them that it is possible to move forward.
Living in the past, if there are more underlying issues, does not help the matter at all. This is why I think there is so much depression in the world. People love to live the past and not even look forward to the furture. This is what hurts them the most. There is always a new day around the corner and encourage them to face it bravely.
Maybe you can find some one (if you know anyone) who was in the same predictment as your friends are, and show them that if they can make it out, so can they. It all comes down to an ego, and a sense of pride and dignity.
Here is something that I always did when I was depressed (and this is as cliche as it gets), I wrote down a pros and cons list. Weigh out all of the issues and ask them what they think the solutions would be. You can only guide them to the right solution for them, you don't tell them what the solution is. This may take some time, but as long as you are patient and are truly a good friend to them, then they will get through this ordeal.
Good luck.
2007-05-15 08:44:35 · answer #2 · answered by jesterthemutt2006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to them, find out the source of their depression. Depression is usually caused by by some real life problems. Dealing with the underlying problem is more important than dealing with symptoms. It's hard to recommend anything without knowing what caused it in the first place. Professional help is not usually necessary for mild and short time blues. That's where friends come in. If it is long lasting and severe it may require professional help.
2007-05-15 08:52:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just by being a friend to them. Encourage them to see a doctor if the depression merits that.
2007-05-15 08:29:08 · answer #4 · answered by Blessed 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i found some really good information at ehow.com just type in stuff like.. how to be happy.. how to be self confident.. how to overcome depression... it has some really good information... you can either tell your friend or look it up with them.. or print it out and give it to them... do fun things with them...get them out in the sun.. getting out in the sun has proved to get them out of the depressed mood.. there are lots of stuff you can eat to help depression such as walnuts.. all these things you can find online...
2007-05-15 08:36:17 · answer #5 · answered by darlintxangel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they need someone to talk to and that's your role if you choose it. you have to check on them everyday how they're doing and give words of encouragement every now and then. treat them out and divert their attention to other things instead of them pondering too much on the situation that makes them depress.
2007-05-15 08:53:50 · answer #6 · answered by Lola 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is only so much you can do. Listen when you want to. Try to stay upbeat or they will bring you down. Recommend that seek professional help
2007-05-15 08:34:23 · answer #7 · answered by TAT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be there for them, build them up and continue to stay in prayer for them. Talk to them about receiving professional help.
2007-05-15 08:30:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A)Get them some Xanax or Dipicot
B)Get them some Zoloft
C)Help them have fun(This is extremely hard)
2007-05-15 08:34:31 · answer #9 · answered by unhunkyguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be there for them and let them know that you care.
It may not seem like much, but trust me, it makes them feel like they are cared by someone and that they're not unwanted and abandoned.
2007-05-15 08:54:09 · answer #10 · answered by Banana Hero [sic] 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋