Help with a friend depressed

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
Help with a friend depressed
1
Fri, 04-02-2004 - 1:10pm
Hello all.

I am new here but have browsed other Ivillage boards and really feel comfortable with the support and discussions. I have a friend I have know since we were in high school 6 or 7 years back and she has been depressed for a while now. She recently has gotten really bad and has withdrawn herself from her friends, family and life. She feels her life has no meaning and does not want to make an effort to continue to thrive and live.

Granted, she has had some troubling times in her life with some mistakes (don't we all). She was pressured to be perfect as a child and felt as if she had no control over her life. Now after rebelling and other poor choices, she feels tremendous guilt and thinks she is only a negative contribution and therefore withdraws herself from those who love and care for her. She stopped going to the doctor and won't take any of her medication. She refuses to take care of herself in any way, shape or form. Her mother is extremely worried and has called me to come and talk to her. For those of you who have been in this situation or know anyone who has, what is the best way to approach someone about this downward spiral? Will she want us to talk to her? What can we say? What can I do? Please share your insight or comments about how I can help my friend overcome this.

Thanks,

Bea

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
Fri, 04-02-2004 - 2:16pm

(((((Bea))))), I want to welcome you to our board.

AcornLeaves