sevenvirtues Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 Need help supporting a very depressed friend. We've been thru a lot together over the past 5 years. 3 years ago she had very serious disagreements with family members and has been depressed and anxious ever since. She's tried to get help, has dehabilitating health issues, and considering her circumstances is doing the best she can. I'd love to see her more, but it's difficult. She has no money, no car, and gets ill when going out. I'll go to her house, but after about an hour she gets very depressed and I need to leave. What can i do to be supportive and keep her friendship without driving myself crazy?
Enchanted Girl Posted July 6, 2010 Posted July 6, 2010 Stop putting the responsibility of making her better all on yourself. I've struggled with depression lots of times and all my friends can do is be there. And it helps to just be there, without obsessing over it. It helps to know someone's there no matter what, but there's no way for you to fix her. That's impossible. You can only do so much, just do what you can and don't blame yourself for the rest.
shmagazine Posted July 8, 2010 Posted July 8, 2010 Just always respond to her with love, kindness, or support, hoping that the sadness will soon pass. Always listen to her wants if someone to she needs to talk.Tell her how much her family, friends and you as well love her. Tell her how much he means to you and what it would mean if she was not there. That will get to her. Then tell her that if he needs anything that you will be there for her. If in case her depression causes physical symptoms (things like headaches or other stress-related problems), ask your friend to see a doctor. Take advantage of the many resources available online. Read Self Help Articles with topics about Depression.
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