Is my friend depressed?

Avatar for mountainmoon
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
Is my friend depressed?
1
Sun, 02-06-2005 - 10:35pm
A friend of mine's personality has changed drastically over the past few months. He used to be so laid back and happy and agreeable but now hes a different person. He's gone through some rough times and is currently trying to get back on his feet. His GF broked up with him, he lost his job, and is currently homeless - couch surfing. He's away from his family and trying to survive on his own for the first time in his 31 years, and isnt doing too well. I'm his best friend here and he is so moody to me, and negative about everything. He jumps all over me for the stupidest things, and is just unpleasant, hard to talk to. He doesn't do much during the day - instead of job hunting or doing anything productive, he sits on the couch and watches TV. I think he's drinking a lot. He can still function though - hes not despondent, he just doesn't seem to have any motivation or energy. He's a musician and playing music seems to be the only thing he gets any joy out of, but even that he's not working too hard on, and he constantly complains about his band. He always thinks certain people dont like him, when in fact it seems to be the other way around. He often denies anything is wrong, but will say things like his life is ruined and how he has to start all over again - in regard to his GF breaking up with him. Thing is - they barely even knew each other, and she moved across the country to be with him and it just didnt work out but he had very high hopes. His personality started to change before she even got here. Its as if he cant handle stress - he gets so incredibly moody. He told me that hes had panic attacks recently. I try so hard to be patient with him and supportive but hes so rude sometimes, its hard. But he switches back and forth - rude then he'll be better - sometimes he seems to be fine. He seems to be ok when hes with his guy friends, but acts like he doesnt even like me - but he still comes to see me and we hang out, and he often needs advice and seems to just need to talk. I'm so patient with him and its hard when he gets mean to me. He sometimes looks like hes about to burst into tears - he'll just lie around and look so incredibly sad. What can I do for him?? He often will deny anything is wrong. I care a lot about him and hate seeing him like this. Thanks for any advice.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 02-07-2005 - 7:31am

Hi MM


Glad you found us!


Now none of us can diagnose depression in another person but from what you say, your friend is definately having

*hugs