Can You Be Friends with someone who is depressed?

Note that this may be difficult when the person is in an acute depression. People in the thick of depression can be a bit self-centered, preoccupied with their own suffering. However, this is not an excuse for not honoring the friendship by at least trying to come through for another person.

What should I say when my Friend talks about their depression?

If your friend talks about their depression, you might want to say things like, “I understand,” or “We’ve all been there.”

How can I help my friend who is struggling with depression?

Your friend may not be aware they’re dealing with depression, or they may be unsure how to reach out for support. Even if they know therapy could help, it can be daunting to search for a therapist and make an appointment. If your friend seems interested in counseling, offer to help them review potential therapists.

Why do some parents refuse to treat their kids for depression?

In addition to deaths by suicide, depression can cause progressively worsening brain changes, according to new research. And yet, even after a trained mental health professional diagnoses a child with depression, some parents refuse treatment.

What is the connection between depression and friendship?

The connection between depression and friendship can be very strong and somewhat underestimated by those affected by the disease. One study found that men with no friends were four times more likely to become depressed, and women with no friends were nearly twice as likely to become depressed as people with 10 or more friends were.

Why do people with depression and anxiety avoid social contact?

A person can isolate themselves from others; or worse, the society inflicts isolation on the person with mental illness. It can be very common for people with depression and anxiety to come up with petty excuses to avoid social contacts.

Can distraction help a depressed friend?

We know that distraction is actually good for depressed people, and rumination — going over the same negative feelings over and over — only encourages further depression. This is not to say that you should ignore your depressed friend’s proclamations of sadness and misery.