I found out that my friend is depressed. What can I do to help him?

Question

I've known him since we were 6 and yesterday I found out he was depressed and he cuts himself. What do I do to help him? I really need help, I can't lose him!

Answer 1

Just listen, if he wants to talk. You probably can't 'fix' his problems, but you can show that you care. Just listen. He needs someone to talk to.  

Answer 2

i think the best thing you can do is find him help and just to love him

Answer 3

See site below to learn how to help people with depression or help them to help themselves. Then see page with advice for teen girls for info on what to do for cutters. Cutting is a coping mechanism to deal with stress.

Answer 4

How old is your friend? If he is cutting himself...you need professional help! This can be a cry for help on something much deeper! Contact a Dr. or a Pastor at a church. Do not take this alone....only share this with close friends for assistance. Your friend needs a change in environment in all the sense of the word! Go to theme park, go to the movies, visit a good Christian church, begin reading the Bible, read good books, check the diet....certain foods will make you depressed like caffeine!!!! Let your friend know you have a concern and would not like to lose him! Hug him and tell him you are there for him! Good luck!

Answer 5

to be honest the best thing you can do is just be there for him i suffer with depression myslf and sometimes you just need someone to talk to like a sounding board really ... no one to answer but just to listen.

you are already doing what you can by being his friend. suggest maybe some sort of councilling, or maybe speaking to his gp offer to go with him and be there for him.

good luck i hope all works out for you and him, i know its very hard.