Alex's Answer

I think my friend is depressed

Your Question

I think my friend is struggling as she sent me a text saying how she cries over loads of things and is feeling a bit depressed. i have quite a lot of mental health disorders myself and am struggling and yet i really don’t know how to help her. do you have any advice?

Answer

Hi there and welcome to Ask Alex.  

Thank you for sending your question to Ask Alex and for reaching out. 

You are wondering how you can help and support your friend who is struggling. Well done for reaching out and looking for some help. You seem like you are a very supportive friend.   

It is important for your friend to reach out to a trusted adult who can help them with their current situation. If your friend cannot do this, you may need to reach out for some support so that you can manage this appropriately. Speaking to an adult who can help you source the right supports can make sure your friend is as safe as possible. Trying to help someone who is struggling with their mental health can be tough and it is important for you to also look after yourself too.  

You may also find some articles on the Childline website helpful such as:  www.childline.ie/getting-help/ , www.childline.ie/not-sure-how-to-ask-for-help-heres-what-to-do/, www.childline.ie/what-is-depression/ . 

If you are finding it difficult to talk to a trusted adult, or don’t know what to say to them, please contact us without delay on our phone service 1800 66 66 66 or through our webchat service at www.childline.ie by clicking on the orange Live Chat button. These services are free and confidential and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. While we will not tell you what to do, we are here to listen to and support you, and to help you to explore the options that are available to you. We are here to listen and to help you in a way that suits you.   

Take care of yourself,  

Alex 

Ask me a question

You can ask me about anything you want, there’s nothing too big or small.
Ask me a question