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Chris204
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Default Jul 12, 2017 at 10:05 PM
  #1
I just want to start out with the fact that I do not suffer with depression myself, but I recently became friends with someone that does. I didn't know that she was suffering when I first became friends with her, but after talking with her every day she has shared a lot of her struggle with me. I have tried to be very supportive by letting her know that I'm here to listen and we have had many open conversations where she has expressed her thankfulness for finally having someone that she can turn to. However, she does experience really difficult stretches where she shuts everyone out and does not respond to any communications (phone and texting has been the extent of our friendship). I really want to help her through the tougher days but can't get her to reply to anything lately, every couple of days I send her a text just letting her know that I'm here when she needs someone to talk to. Any advice on anything that I can do to help her would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Default Jul 13, 2017 at 08:16 AM
  #2
There is not much more that you can do for her aside from what you're already doing. It is ultimately up to her if she wants to take the steps to address her mental health issues. Withdrawing from others is common when people are depressed so try not to take it personally. If she ever voices an intent to commit suicide or otherwise seriously harm herself, you can call the police if necessary.

I see this is your first post so welcome to PC! I hope you find your time here to be of benefit.
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Chris204
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Default Jul 14, 2017 at 09:14 PM
  #3
Thank you for welcoming me to the board and for your reply. Is there anything that I should avoid trying to do, I want to keep reassuring her that I will do whatever I can to help but I don't want to overwhelm her by texting too often either. I feel helpless and really care about her.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
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depressedalaskan
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Default Jul 16, 2017 at 09:54 PM
  #4
Welcome Chris204, In my experience I don't see things the way others do. I too suffer from depression and I do not think your friend is withdrawing from you but I think depression is keeping her from contacting you. You see depression to me is it's own animal. It does to us what it wants to with no forgiveness. Your friend is ill with a sickness that is trying to take over her being. If she has talked to you about her depression maybe try to get her to acknowledge that she received your message. Please Jill (I don't know her name), can you let me know if you are OK. A simple yes or no will do. If this will get her away from depression for a second maybe she will talk more. Never tell a person with a mental illness that it is up to them to ask for help. Most likely they can't. This is only my opinion nothing more or nothing less.
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Chris204
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Default Jul 19, 2017 at 09:56 PM
  #5
Thank you for your post and the welcome. I have asked her to let me know that she is ok when I don't hear back from her but she doesn't respond to those messages either. I've tried leaving her small gifts at work with no acknowledgement either. I know that she isn't upset with me and is ignoring everyone right now including family. I think that she is scared to trust anyone and to get close to anyone so I don't want to push her away by overbearing her.
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Default Jul 22, 2017 at 01:47 PM
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