I wouldn't go telling him the business about being a bad person and deserving only of punishment in hell and not a relationship with god.
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Just the usual sort of 'you will get through this', 'you're not not alone', 'things will get better soon' sort of thing.
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No, I don't tell him he's going to Hell! That's enough to give someone depression, never mind cure him of it.
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Thanks for all your great advice, everyone. I really appreciate it!
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When he is quiet and doesn't talk to you, it doesn't mean he is all right. On the contrary in fact.
you will have to be patient, depressive people sometimes behave like kids. I know I do, which when the depression attacks, makes me feel even worse (because I know it, it's just hard to fight it. I am not on any pills)
Just know that your simple being there and repeating the words you mentioned CAN save his life.
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I have had depression diagnoses for many years (not lately) and I have a cupboard full of pills I was given to treat the depression...I take them for a few weeks and then I resent taking them so I have mostly full bottles...enough to treat an army......
I use two things to overcome my depression and since it has been years now since I have had any of the symptoms I am convinced I have the key to overcoming it...for ME....I dont' know what it takes for anyone else so I am not going to say that I have the definitive cure...but if you can help your friend by suggesting these things please do....
They altered our food many years ago and use preservatives and colorings that really don't belong in our bodies or brains...the two things I would use to overcome my depression that worked like magic was only eating FRESH...and forcing myself to exercise. Of course...once I felt better I would go right back to eating crap and then the cycle would begin again...I have long since stopped eating any crap and the result is that I have long since had any depression....
I know people dont' want to hear that because doctors (and pharmaceutical and food companies) have told us otherwise but that is my experience for what it is worth and hopefully it can help your friend.
Oh yeah...the friend thing here...I think it is totally innocent and nice....or at least that is my experience.
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