How can I help my friend who's suffering from depression?

Question

She just sent me this message,

(My words are in parenthesis.)

"I read Impulse today (A book about suicide/mental wards/etc)...it was definitely a bad idea...it just made me realize how much pain I'm in and I can't get myself to go numb...I'm sorry to be telling you this but I wanted to tell someone...I really think I do need help...pretty bad too...I think I scared Brandon (A friend on the internet) because he wouldn't talk to me...I'm not as strong as I thought...I'm falling apart...I'm very far away from the white as Vanessa (a character in impulse) calls it...but my blue is complete darkness...and it scares me…I don’t want to tell a doctor…I don’t want therapy but what else is there to do…my parents think I‘m completely bull shitting them even though I‘m not…though when I told my dad what the book was about he seemed a bit worried…thought that was probably just his religion kicking in…but my mom said that he was probably a bit shocked and frightened because of the whole scare we had over Christmas break…whatever…they really don‘t care…I can tell…they would have gotten help by now seeing as how far gone I‘ve gotten since…I know I need help…I know I want help…but I’m too scared to get it…what should I do? I really am sorry for dragging you into this...but so far you're the only one that actually seems to care... thanks for being my friend."

I've tried to help her, but the problem is is that her parents won't listen to the fact that she has depression.

I know she has it because she's also been having a lot of trouble eating and sleeping.

Please help?

Answer 1

Ask her to see her school counselor when school starts soon. The counselor will contact her parents and talk to them about how they can help her. They should then realize there is a real problem with their daughter. Good luck.

Answer 2

It's a shame that her parents won't help her out, but since she's trusted you with this information, be the good friend she thinks you are.  Take it upon yourself to speak to someone else about it - any adult you feel you can trust and who will actually take some measure to help her - maybe a school counselor, a priest, even your own parents if you think they'll help.  Tell your friend that you know she wants help, that you're very glad that she knows she needs it, and that you know she's scared but since you care about her you'd like to help her find someone who can help her.  If she seems to be ok with it, maybe she can go with you to speak to whichever adult you choose once you've spoken to them.  If she's not, speak to the adult anyway.  She needs some help, and since she's asking you for it, get her some.  If you're really desperate, ask your parents (or ask yourself if they wont do it for some odd reason) to ask around for a counselor or psychologist who would speak to your friend  - explain that she seems severely depressed and has asked for help but her parents arent getting involved, so you're taking the initiative.  You'll be doing a very good thing.

Answer 3

Tell a counselor at school or your minister at church.  She needs to see her family doctor immediately.

Answer 4

maybe she should talk to a councillor or another good friend who cares and who is patient to listen and get to the root of the problem

she should also take care of her health, eat healthy and get enough

sleep

lack of sleep can also cause depression

check out depression on www.curezone.com or on alternativementalhealth.com

good luck and take care

Answer 5

I agree with the other people who answered your question.  Speak to a school guidance counselor and they will make the proper steps into getting her the help she needs.   That will include eduating her parents about depression etc. and family counseling will help them to communicate and listen to their daughter.  You are a good friend but you can't help her by yourself...you need to take the first step to get things in motion.  Good luck.