topic My friend has depression, but it isn't diagnosed. in Supporting family and friends

My friend has depression, but it isn't diagnosed.

Luka-chan — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 02:07:52 GMT

My best friend is 16 and has been very unhappy during the past year or two.

His parent's are getting a divorce, and his father isn't happy about it so he beats my friend and later his mother will yell at him and accuse him of causing it.

He has been harming himself, and has said in his diary entires that he plans to end is life.

His parents refuse to believe in depression or medication, so they won't take him to a doctor or a psychologist.

Is there a way for my friend to be able to get help/a diagnosis without his parents having to be there?

My friend has depression, but it isn't diagnosed.

Guest_9466 — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 05:56:53 GMT

Hi there,

Are you and your best friend still going to high school? I am just wondering if you can approach a school counsellor or a favourite, understanding teacher for help? You can also persuade your friend to ring lifeline.

I am sorry that I can't be of much help. Perhaps ringing BB helpline phone number can be a first step. Good luck and I hope that your best mate know how lucky he is to have a supportive and caring friend as you.

My friend has depression, but it isn't diagnosed.

HA1 — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 13:02:03 GMT

Hi Luka

thanks for posting - you truly are a best friend. I really feel sad for the situation your friend finds himself in.

I tend to agree with MG that perhaps you or your friend give the Beyond Blue support line a call. They'll be able to outline options, I am sure.

Keep in touch!

My friend has depression, but it isn't diagnosed.

geoff — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 14:41:28 GMT

dear Luka-chan, thank you so much for posting this frightful situation that your friend is in.

MG has suggested some good ideas here, so I do hope that he decides to ring these numbers.

Yes he now needs to by pass his parents at the moment, because A-they are going through a terrible time and I presume it will be a dirty divorce and B- they don't believe in depression or medication, I just wonder if it's because of their religion or ethnic background.

This may also stop any other family member from taking him to the doctor, if not then perhaps an auntie could take him, because it's a very serious situation he is in, and there is every chance that he is only thinking to himself and not relaying his thoughts to you.

Or as MG has said that perhaps a school counsellor can help or have some other thought of getting him to a GP, and maybe you can go with him if he so desires.

I'm so pleased that you have kept an eye on him, but you can't be with him 24/7 so there are danger periods where no one is watching him.

Please keep us involved in how he is going. Geoff.