I have a friend who has been rock-bottom depressed over the past year. She has quit school without notification, quit church (she used to be VERY VERY religous), and she cut her contact with all of her friends. She has not spoken with any friends for 7 months. She says that she hates people and she no longer takes her medication. She has tried to commit suicide and threatens to do it again if she is forced to take medicine. She has been to a physchiatric clinic twice but everytime she just bull****'s her way through in order to get released from the clinic. Her parents have no control over her. They fear her because always goes crazy or uses suicidal threats as a weapon against them. I'm her bestfriend...well atleast I used to be, and so I have been visiting her the past few months trying to talk to her, but she locks herself in her room and refuses to talk to anyone..even her own parents. Her parents also do not have the best relatioship. Her father used to beat her mother but the family absolutely disregards the fact that they might also need FAMILY therapy. Please if there is anyone who has been through this type of situation first or second hand, PLEASE reply with your stories or you can email them to me t Illisophical@gmail.com. I am desperate. I dont know what to do.

This will be the first time I've ever really told anyone this...a few weeks ago I saw my doctor about depression. There have been numerous times, when I have indeed attempted suicide. We talked for about an hour, and now in a few weeks I'm going to be tested for bi polarism. Honestly, I'm scared to death and I have no idea on how to cope with it. But I'm making peace with myself, so I suppose that's getting me somewhere. : ) Her family needs to take her to a psychiatrist or psychologist. And yes, there's a difference. I would highly recommend a psychiatrist. She needs help, and you alone won't do it. She needs your support, but more than anything, she needs help. Professional help. Even if she is forced out of her house, she needs to see a professional about her depression.

My friend has a similar problem, and it isn't a coincidence that they both come from broken homes. Her family needs to admit that they have a problem first, and get help for it. Once she sees that her family cares and is trying to make a change for the better, she might make an effort, too.