Depression - signs and cures??!

Depression - signs and cures??

How do you know if someone is depressed?

I'm concerned about my (lovely) girlfriend.. she does not seem to be the same person anymore..she flys off the handle, crys a lot, not interested in socialising anymore.....

..she refuses to go to the doctors or take any kind of medication.

Her family are concerned she is suffering with 'post traumatic stress' after suffering a violent relationship 13 years ago which she escaped from and later that year suffered a nervous breakdown.. She pulled herself out of it without any medication just help/support from her family.

Because of her past troubles is it possible to still affect her psychologically??

I've pleaded with her to have councilling but she flatly refuses! she is a very strong willed person!

I don't know what else to do...

any answers welcome
thanks

3 weeks ago
Thank you Caroline...

3 weeks ago
Thank you all very much for your answers and very informative/useful links.. i have printed some of the relavant information pages and intend to show my gf the printouts and hopefully she will take these a little more seriously and hopefully opt for counselling (i may be wrong but i think this would benefit her).
She is a very special/nice person and does not deserve to suffer like this anymore!

Thanks again all for answering my question... very much appreciated!!!
Pete

Just pray to Lord Jesus Christ. He was crucified to cure the inabilities of ours.. Also He resurrected from dead for us. So pray to Him that
"O Lord! You were crucified for us in the cross. I believe in you Lord."
Pray to Him like you speak to a friend. You will surely see a fruitful future awaiting you with your friend fully cured.
He is everlasting Doctor for all of us!