posted
I know this topic has probably been beaten to death, cause depression seems more common than the common cold, but I need some help.
My roomate is depressed. She's a sweet loving girl who has had some serious problems in her life. I don't even know all the crap that she's been through. It hurts her too much to tell me, and she considers me her best friend. She's been depressed before, and been medicated for it, so she knows what's happening to her. Her sleep cycles are out of whack. She doesn't go to sleep til 5 or 6 in the morning, and then sleeps through her classes the next day. She's sleeping right now, and it's 6:30 at night. She doesn't care about her schoolwork anymore, and seems apathetic about almost everything in her life. This is very uncharacteristic of her. She's going to a counselor on Saturday, but I know the counselor isn't going to be able to fix everything right away, if at all. How can I help her through this? Someone who's been depressed or has been close to someone depressed? Please help me help her.
posted
Definitely encourage her to do the therapy thing, and try to get her to see a doctor too. If she's been depressed before and on anti-depressants, chances are good that she should go back on the anti-depressants now. Depressed people usually resist starting medication, because they just don't have the motivation to go to a doctor. And some people who are severely depressed will start thinking that anti-depressants won't really help them, so they don't bother trying them at all, even if they'd helped in the past.
You can also encourage her to talk about how she's feeling, or journal, or otherwise vent her emotions and feelings. Let her know that you're there to support her, and nudge her into getting help if she needs it.
Good luck, hon, and bravo to you for being such a good friend.
Kyth
Posts: 1685 | From: New York City | Registered: Oct 2001
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posted
Going to the counselor is the first big step. No problem can be fixed overnight, but she is definetely on her way. As I am sure you already do, reassure her that you are always here for her.
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