My friend told me she was depressed, should I be worried? What are some signs that she may be suicidal?

Since she know about her depression, you ahould tell her to visit a therapist/whatever for more help. Don’t make her feel less than what she is.

Just because someone’s depressed doesn’t mean they’re suicidal, don’t group them together like they’re all crazy no matter what their individual problems are.

The drinking and not eating are strong signs of depression.
See if you can get her to go to the gym with you.

Are you a college student? If you are, there might be resources on campus to help.

In my (layman’s) opinion, the best thing is for her to visit a doctor, to see if there is reason to see a psychiatrist, or to be prescribed medicines that help alleviate depression. I would be honest. I would describe the behaviors I have seen, and tell her that I am really worried about her, and would she please see a doctor? I would tell her I am willing to make the appointment, and escort her to the doctor, and give her any support I can in dealing with this problem.

If she refuses your aid, I think there is not much you can do, other than to keep on making the offer, and to be there for her. You can listen to her. You can offer your interpretations of her experience without invalidating her experience. You can try to be a reality check. Above all, be empathetic, as much as you can. Try not to make her feel bad about how she feels. I would not not say she “shouldn’t” feel the way she does.

You can ask her if she is thinking about suicide. People usually think about it for a while, and do nothing. If they have got a method in mind and are preparing to use that method, you should start worrying, and urge her to call a suicide hotline, and get to a hospital immediately. You should marshal all support you can find.

Most likely, if you are empathetic with her, she will volunteer her thoughts, including suicidal thoughts, voluntarily. You can prime the pump by talking about your experience with depression, and times when you have felt like it is too much to bear. Leave openings for her to open up, but you can not demand that she talk. You can ask, but not demand. And through it all, keep on expressing your concern and friendship or love for her. Having people who really care about you (or need you) makes it much harder to off yourself.

Good luck.

You can tell her that you have observed that she does not seem herself. You can ask if there is anything you can do to help. Tell her you are willing to listen.

If she confides in you, and you feel there are enough signs, perhaps have her look at this test from Depressionscreening.org.

If the results suggest clinical depression rather than temporary blues, she probably needs to seek professional help. Five months is long time.

Also, speaking from experience, medications don’t always help—sometimes they trap you in it and make you worse. Don’t push someone to get medication unless that’s what they want, and don’t push someone to see a therapist if all they need is a friend to weather the storm with them. Unless she does confide in you that she’s suicidal, or she really starts spinning out of control, just try to be there for her.

In any case, assuming things will only make matters worse.

Let her know you’re there for her and suggest she get some help (and give her the number to your town’s Department of Mental Health if there is one so she can get inexpensive services). also, if you know any (decent) relative of hers, you might want to let them in on the situation, just so that there’s someone else close to her who’s able to help.

i think the best thing is to make sure she knows you’re there for her. as @samanthabarnum said, not all people with depression are so depressed that they are suicidal, but it is good that you are being cautious and looking out for signs. maybe read up a bit on depression? just to get a general understanding of what’s going on with her, and how her mind works. and don’t take things personally if she does things that seem ‘off’ to you. be patient and understanding and ready to talk, but also know when to back off a little.
good luck.
if it comes down to it, you can always talk to a counselor about it, or get her to talk to one.

what i would suggest is that you hang with her for a while cheer her up now and then and if you go out with friends then ask her to go with you. I have my own personal experiences with depresion and i can tell you its goona be a very very long time before anyone can really deal with it. Just be with her and make sure you can cheer her up. Let her know your there to help.

@samanthabarnum I agree. I personally think the holistic approach is much healthier.
That’s from my own experience. Basically if I became depressed & someone tarted talking about medication, I’d feel as though we weren’t on the same page. Again, this is heavily swayed by my own exp.
What works for one person might not work for the next and vice versa.
I think honesty and empathy are the two important factors to bear in mind when talking to your friend.
Tell her what you’ve obsrved.
Don’t suggest that she’s feeling any way; let her volunteer this information if she chooses to do so.
All you can do is let her know you’re there for her.
Look after yourself too. You’re your own main priority. I truly hope your friend comes through this.