I have a severly depressed friend and she wants me to stay home from a sleep over so I can talk to her all night and keep the phone on as we normally do. Her parents don't keep a close eye on her and she really doesnt have any other friends then me. I feel I should be allowed to go to the sleep over but I don't want to cost her life over my one night of fun. Help please?
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Q: I have a severely depressed friend, who wants me to stay home from a sleep over for her, should I?
Answers (2)
4/24/08 6:20pm
No, you absolutely should not put your life on hold for her, and this is coming from someone who has suffered from depression. Depression can be "catching" and the last thing you want to do is to isolate yourself from other people to take care of her.
Maybe you can get her a movie to watch that night or bring her a spa kit so she can indulge a little. But you are not her keeper and you are not responsible for her happiness. I don't think it's particularly fair of her to even ask you to do this, to be honest.
4/29/08 3:41pm
I'm with deborah -- you need to live your life while still being a good friend.
Does she have a counselor? Has she not engaged with her parents for specific reasons? I can tell you as a parent, I'd want to know asap in any way possible if my child's depression is reaching the depths you describe.
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