help me? give me some advice?

[Lunazay]

hello, my friend experiences the same thing as me. Depression. and she also feels sad for no apparent reason and hopeless and helpless. I know how she feels but if I couldn't even help myself, how could I help her. I want to help her but I don't know how. she also tries smiling to make it seem like she is happy even though she is not. any I started going to a psycyatrist and had two appointments already but her parents don't believe in that stuff and told her she cant go. her pcp, which is the same as my pcp, told her its all just in her head, just like what she told me. her parents believe if she gets closer to her religion, then she will be cured but that doesn't help. how should I help her if I'm in a similar position. she said she doesn't see herself living long....

[hurtingheart1]

Just came across your post! This is awful & cant believe someone would say depression just in your friends head??😱I’m feeling pretty down myself right now so it’s hard to give much advice but you & your friend are definitely not I alone in this many in here understand ! Maybe they can share some wise encouragement here? It’s good you have each other as well as friends though to just keep posting and reaching out for help - I always pray for ones on here to have hope& get to a better place have better days ahead☺️🌻🌼🌸💞

[abc30]

From my experience visit to a psychiatrist or psychologist is a must. Also you both should have a job to pay bills and treatments. And also don't expect help from others, it will not come.

[B4andafter]

Depression is just as real as any physical illness. Those who don't have it or refuse to understand it will tell you it's all in your head. Actually, that is true but not the way they mean it. Feeling depressed can be the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain which is often relieved by medication or it can be situational ie. loss of a relationship, loss of a loved one, loss of job, and unrealized dreams etc. Sometimes, a situational depression can cause a chemical imbalance in the brain as a result of negative thinking which feeds into the depression becoming a vicious cycle. Intervention is needed. If the parents are paying the medical bills, that's a problem for your friend because they won't change; hopefully, she can pay for psychologist/psychiatrists herself? If not, this site contains articles on how to deal with depression. Researching Cognitive Behavioral Thinking (CBT) is a good place to start. It explains how we "think" causes our sad feelings and what we can do to change negative thinking. Also, just being a good friend to talk to without judgement is so necessary. Perhaps there are low cost depression support groups in your friend's area? Not sure about the religion route. If it's supportive, then OK and some people do find solace there but not always.