what do you do when a friend is going through depression?

Question

my spontanious, optimistic, bestest friend might be going through depression. what can i do to recover and heal my friend? i hate seeing her like this, ive talked to her, i dont know what else to do. someone please help before its too late and she does something to herself. please help!

Answer 1

Much of the above said is true. You may try to
1) Try contacting her parents
2) Advise her to go into therapy
3) Be supportive and caring while caring for yourself too
Dont assume she needs medication, however.
What was not mentioned here is the importance of exercise, appropriate diet and regime.
Try motivating your friend to be active, dont pressure her into it but try persuading her that is is good for herself. Exercises play crucial importance when recovering from depression as they raise the serotin level in the brain.
Try to make sure that she maintains appropriate diet. People in depression rarely care about what they eat, and it worsens their condition even further.
Also a good thing in maintaning a good regime - that is going to bed before 12 and getting up around 8 am. This way the person gets enough rest dring the night and is active during the day.
Theese are just general advices and you dont really need a professional to confirm them. Regarding medication, however, you should consult a medical practitioner

Answer 2

Although I have not gone through depression myself, I have dealt with several family members who have gone through it.
First, you need to talk her into going to a community service mental health provider in your area to get a diagnosis. Many of them charge on a sliding scale according to one's ability to pay. If she is diagnosed with depression, they can help her if she will cooperate and follow the plan. The difficult part of this is that in most jurisdictions, you cannot force her to go. She has to do it voluntarily. What you can do is urge her to do it, and go with her if she decides to make the plunge into getting better. Other than that, there isn't a whole lot you can do. The only other time you would be able to help is if she is a threat to herself or someone else. The state can step in then, and put her someplace that can give her a diagnosis. If it is determined she is a threat, they can force her to seek treatment.
You pretty much have your hands tied behind your back as you watch her sink further and further into depression. Many of these mental health providers also have classes for friends and family of the afflicted person. It helps them learn how to cope with the patients.
You are a good friend. I hope your friend can be talked into seeking treatment. Good luck.

Answer 3

Listen, listen, listen !! To anything she wants to talk about and try not to be judgemental about anything she might say. You didn't say how long this has been going on or if anything major has happened in her life recently. She may need to see a counselor or therapist to help her work through this. If you are really concerned that she may harm herself then you should talk to her family or someone else that can help.

And don't assume that she needs medication!! Only a trained professional can make that decision.

Answer 4

Hi:

When someone is going thru depression the things that I know I need are support, medical care, make sure I am taking my meds as perscribed, making me get out of be and outside in the sun even if it is just to walk to the corner and back, make sure I am eating properly and also that I am safe.

If any signs that my safety or the safety of others is at stake, then you must call 911 with out hesitation. It is always important when someone is depressed that they have som one(s) checking on them because they will not do it for themselves.

Important: A support person(s) must first be taking ccare of themselves before they can care for anyone else. When we are in depression, we can be very draining on others. So it is vital that you care for yourself first, then you can care for others.

Be safe and be well

Answer 5

have you talked to her parents yet? if not start there. they can have committed for up to 6 days in some states if she is under legal age. other wise maybe if you and her family did an intervention with her she would give in and admit herself for a 72 hour observation. otherwise there isn't much you can do until she tries something. something you might try is to let her know that you are concerned about her and ask to come talk to you before she tries anything to harm herself. it worked with me.

Answer 6

Be there for her, but don't try to play counselor. Leave that to the professionals. Sometimes the best help you can offer is listening. Just make it known that you're there for her, and you care. Has she sought any professional help? If not you may want to see if that is an option she'd be willing to check out.

Answer 7

i've been on both sides of the tracks, and both suck. all you can do is get her help. counseling is the best, it helps discover maybe is going on inside of her and if she needs medication. other than that be supportive and don't bring it up unless she does, it is really embarassing to talk about. just stay her friend and be there for her and when she gets through it, you'll be even close.

Answer 8

You must MAKE SURE she has anti depressants from the doctor
Do not support her otherwise You will become depressed yourself , take it from one who had serious bouts of depression . The thing to realise is that it cheifly is a physical problem - low seratonin levels , Runs in Families

BUT YOU MUST NIOT ALLOW HER TO USE THE DEPRESSION AS A MAIPLATIVE TOOL TO GUILT SLING YOU .

Depressives use this as a means of control


Remeber TOUGH LOVE ALL THE WAY

Answer 9

i make myself available to the friend. I let them know if there is something they need to talk about they can call me anytime even 4am if need be. Or I ask them if they would like to go for a walk to talk a bit. Most of all I listen and make myself available to them.

Answer 10

It’s sweet of you to want to help your best friend at this time. Has she considered speaking to a counselor? If not, please convince her to do so.

Also, it might be helpful to try some practical steps by looking for things to do to keep off negative feelings. Maybe you could do some activities, sports, or a hobby that your friend would enjoy and feel good. Physical exercise has the added benefit of helping to relieve negative emotions naturally, too. Additionally, please check out this link: bit.ly/2dx9uUt.