If a girl has a depressed friend

By Manan Modi via UN Volunteers

Is your friend depressed? Is your loved one's depression weighing you down? Are you thinking of breaking off a friendship because you cannot handle the negativity that comes with depression? And if one of your friends is depressed, are you capable of helping them? 

The thing with depression is that you cannot always tell by looking, so just because someone is smiling, does not mean that they are actually happy. 

As a friend, ask your friends from time to time if they are happy. If something was troubling them in the past, they may pretend that they have gotten over it but you must always check that they are actually okay and the best way to know is by asking, never assume.

Being a friend to someone who is depressed can be very difficult and they may actually hurt your feelings because of the state they are in. If you have a depressed friend, understand them and be there to listen to them, don’t think they are just looking for attention because most time the situation is more serious than it looks.

Help your friend to be better. Suggest a therapist for them and make sure that they take steps to becoming better. It may seem tricky to inform your friends relatives about your friends depression so make sure you know your friends relationship with his or her family before informing them. If your friend wants to keep their depression a secret, agree to do so only if they agree to seek professional help.

Do not gossip about your depressed friend, yes, talking behind their back is gossiping and the news might spread and get distorted. 

It is okay to let your depressed friend know what you have been saying about the situation to other people. Other than that, make your friend feel special when you can, remind them why you are their friend in the first place, their good qualities and the potential they can achieve.

Do not allow your depressed friend to make you depressed. If you start to feel low around them, take time out and unwind by doing the things you love. Don’t cut your friend off, instead just focus on yourself for a few until you are ok.

The best way you can be there for a depressed friend is just be there. Sometimes no words are needed, just be there. 

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About Manan

A current high school student, Manan Modi is a rising junior at John P. Stevens High School in Edison, New Jersey. Fascinated by technology from a young age, Manan has always sparked an interest in computers. In his middle school years, Manan originally made videos on YouTube about video games, but he never knew that his hobby could be applied in real-world situations. Over the years, he has honed his talent by learning programs such as Camtasia Studio, Sony Vegas, and Adobe Photoshop CS6. 

When given the opportunity to volunteer with both the SAFIGI Outreach Foundation and the United Nations, Manan was ecstatic to learn that he could contribute to the humanitarian cause by utilizing his video-editing skills. An advocate of women's rights, he hopes to further convey his message by continuing to work with SAFIGI. 

You can view Manan's portfolio here.