How to help a friend out of depression?

Question

So my best friend that i've known for 8 years has been depressed for a couple of months now. I promised i would help her out of it but now it's just gone too far. She doesn't think she's good enough at all, thinks she is ugly, fat, useless, stupid. None of those things are true. She's one of the best people you would ever meet. and since she thinks she is fat, she has been making herself throw up. i do not know how to help her at all. ive been trying and its just getting worse. she keeps telling me that if i dont help her, then i broke a promise, and that makes me a liar, and she hates liars. I dont wanna be one of the people she hates. she wont tell an adult because she says she doesnt trust anyone. not even her parents. everyday i cry because of this and what she tells me and i try to help but nothing works and its making me so stressed and this is too difficult! please help me im begging you ! i already had to talk her out of suicide and im not going down that road again. but i think talking her out of that was easier than all of this.. this is so terrible omg HELPPplplpgjugfghds;hgjfbnkhfdkghur

Answer 1

I feel very sorry for you my dear.

You are a very good friend to do what you are doing.

I hope you know that :)



You have to remember that although your friend doesn't want to tell an adult about her situation it cannot be all placed on your shoulders.



I cannot even imagine how worried and stressed you must be feeling.

You can't do this alone.



I suggest you encourage her to see a doctor immediately.

They are seriously nice about the situation.

So many people have the same problem.

Doctors see people every day with depression.



I know when I had problems with it the last thing I wanted to do is tell people.

Like her I didn't trust anyone.

I didn't really think anyone could help me.

When I did finally see a doctor they were so understanding and helpful.

I didn't feel stupid at all.



They will provide her with medication or therapy.

Generally anything she needs to get through this.



If she won't do it for herself.

Ask her to do it for you.



If she won't do it then I am afraid you will have to go against her wishes.

It is in her best interests.

You would actually feel to blame if she did take her own life or do something to harm herself.

So deal with it before you miss your chance.

I know it is difficult.



From my training and from working with people I know depression does not cure itself.

It is a life long struggle in many cases.

Visiting a doctor teaches a person a way to live with the feelings they are having.



Check out some of these website if you need anymore help.

http://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Friend-with-Depression

http://www.findingoptimism.com/blog/depression/how-to-help-someone-with-depression/

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/living_depressed_person.htm



I really hope this helps x

Answer 2

You start going to the gym with her or go on walks or runs. that helps a lot it makes you happy. also you could just tell somebody that could help her. that is helping her even though she doesn't want to tell her parents its the right way to go because they can help her more than you can.

Answer 3

try to spend more time with her and have fun