I have a friend and he has been really depressed lately how can I help?!
Question:
I have a friend and he has been really depressed lately how can I help?
His mom died recently and he has changed a lot from being happy to depressed he just sits in his room drinking all day and sleeping and misses a lot of work. How can I help him through this rough time?
Answers:
I would reassure him that what he is going through is normal - he is suffering from a significant loss and it is perfectly natural to feel down about that. The alcohol will not help and make sure he is aware that it is a depressant - but don't tell him not to drink. Just point out it may be not be giving him the help to cope with his loss that he might think it is. Listen, but make sure you don't become the counsellor. He needs friendly advice and support, and to know that you are thinking of him, but by the sound of things a professional counsellor might be his best option at the moment. Oh, and reassure him that as hard as things are now, they will get better for him. He's at the bottom of a cycle and will rise again. Maybe plan activities outside the house - go for a walk or sit in the garden. Getting him to break the rut he's got into may help.