Friend With Depression

[ChromeCrow]

I have a friend with off and on depression, and she's one of my best friends, and I want to make sure I do everything best possible for her (kinda have a crush on her too). She was feeling down today, and I actually told her for the first time, actually anyone for the first time in that matter, that I care for my friends a lot, sometimes more than they care about me, and I told her I care about her. I would just like advise because she's really one of my closest friends, and I've never had a friend with depression before, and I want to be educated. Thanks

[Abhorrence]

In my personal experience with it, there is really nothing you can do except doing what you're doing. Make sure she really knows you are there and she'll come to you with her issues if she feels comfortable doing that. Some people are more introverted than others and do not want to bother people, never make her feel uncomfortable by forcing her to give you information that she doesn't want to give. It is not personal if she wants to keep her feelings inside.

[Vermilion]

The best thing you can do Is let them know what they mean to you and that your always there, they might open up to you but don't say anything that might come across as your judging them. Many won't open up and that's how I and one of my closest friends deal with depression cos you feel like your making other people deal with your problems. You can't do anything more than your already doing, one thing a friend of mine does is she'll ask me how I am a couple times a week and I really appreciate it as I can open up, but other times I deal with it myself by listening to music and writing down how I feel. Your doing a great job already so don't worry just keep it up :)

[JamesSuperBoy]

I have a friend with off and on depression, and she's one of my best friends, and I want to make sure I do everything best possible for her (kinda have a crush on her too). She was feeling down today, and I actually told her for the first time, actually anyone for the first time in that matter, that I care for my friends a lot, sometimes more than they care about me, and I told her I care about her. I would just like advise because she's really one of my closest friends, and I've never had a friend with depression before, and I want to be educated. Thanks

It is great you care maybe have a think through what you can do. I guess you want to just be there at times but try and not mix the care and friendship with your crush vibe.

[amgb]

I'm glad you are being there for her, and letting her know that you care about her; those are two of the most important things you can do for a friend with depression. Considering you've never had a friend with depression, this will most probably be a little scary for you, and I want you to know that's okay. So long as you don't judge, put her down, say demeaning things to her or push her away then I think you're doing a really good job. You seem like a really good and a really accepting friend as well, and I'm sure she appreciates that a lot. I'm surrounded by friends with depression, so I might know a bit of what to do in your situation. I can only really think of four main things:

~ Encourage her to get professional help. Encourage her, do not be forceful. Accept it if she's not ready for this yet, but remind her you care and you only want to help. Still be there for her when she needs help and support.
~ Do not smother her with your presence. From personal experience, I found that if someone was constantly checking up on me and constantly trying to force their way in, it was actually more damaging than beneficial (they did care but just didn't know how to approach things). So, keep your distance but do not push her away. Let her know that you will respect her space if she asks for it on the condition that she keeps safe and does not start isolating herself from everyone.
~ If at any time you are with her and her safety is at risk, please tell a trusted adult or call an emergency line.
~ Look after yourself first. Make sure you don't abandon your own health.

About your crush on her, I suggest for you to not let that out until she is better, I do not want that to make things worse. I wish the best for you and your friend, and I believe that things will get better for her, and I hope she can slowly believe that too~