DEPRESSION
My friend has recently been diagnosed with depression
and I don't know how to help
him. He's always upset and grumpy and gets angry at whatever I say, yet refuses to talk
about what's wrong or how he is feeling. I hate being with him now 'cos it just makes me
depressed, but I still love him just as a friend. Should I start just ignoring him and hang
around with other people, or stay with him and try to help, even though I don't know how?
(aged 17)
Stick with him! He will stay depressed for at least a month or two (if he is being treated) and
it is very important to him to know that his friends will stick by him. I know how
difficult it can be to have a depressed friend but try to get him to do things with you. Exercise
is good - like going cycling, swimming, running etc. Try taking him to the cinema (not a
violent or “arty” film, but something that's easy to watch - a comedy perhaps?
Let him talk about his feelings if he wants to, but don't push him and don't ask him
“how he feels” all the time. That gets everyone depressed! Hopefully, if you
and he stick it out, after a couple of months he'll be back to his old self.
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UNFRIENDLY FRIENDS
My mates are talking about me behind my back and every time I walk into the room they
laugh at me, or blank me completely. I hate it and it makes me feel so useless, yet I don't
know who else to hang out with at school. Help! (aged 14)
Ask them why they are laughing at you. It may help and they might stop doing it. The other
way to deal with this problem is to ignore them and find some friends who respect and like
you. It can be hard, but it often works! If you can't find any new friends, try joining a group
of kids who enjoy the same things as you: if you like music, sport, collecting things etc, try
to find out which other kids enjoy the same things and get talking to them about your hobbies.
That's what I did as a kid!
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UNPROTECTED SEX
My friend admitted she had unprotected sex 2
weeks ago, and she might be pregnant
or have caught something, but she refuses to go to the doctor 'cos she thinks her parents
might find out. What can I do? (aged 16)
Your friend should tell her parents. But if she thinks they will not understand, she can always
go to her GP (with a friend, such as you!) And the GP will run the necessary tests for her. If
she is pregnant, she will have to tell her parents, and the GP will advise her the best way to do
this. The GP will not tell her parents without her permission.
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NEW SCHOOL - NEW FRIENDS
I'm about to start a new school but I
have trouble making friends. I had to leave my
last school because I was being bullied so badly but I just want to put that behind me
now and make a good impression. Have you got any tips?
Don't try too hard. Just “be yourself”. Find out which kids have the same
interests as you and then start to make friends by talking about what you like to do, and you
will be surprised by how many friends you'll get. If you get bullied TELL A TEACHER.
They will know how to handle the situation and you can also get advice from Childline at www.childline.org.uk
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GAY FRIEND
I think my friend is gay. What should I do? What if he
askes me to help tell his
parents?
Talk to your friend and explain that sometimes teenagers go through a phase of thinking they
are gay. If he is convinced that he is, and wants to tell his parents, as a friend it would be
fantastic for you to be there with him when he does!
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