Hi "Standongrace" ~ Yes, my very BEST friend was suffering from depression, and we'd known each other since we were both 4 yrs old - I just plain said "It sure sounds and looks to me like you have depression!"

A lot depends on how CLOSE a friend you are. A friend can be an acquaintance, a 'good' friend or your BEST friend. If it's your best friend, you can say just about anything to him/her and they'll 'take' it.

My best friend realized she was depressed, but at the time didn't have the finances to do anything about it. And I wasn't in a position either to help her, or I would have. I'd helped in the past, but this time I just couldn't.

Then there are the friends who think you're 'all wet.' They don't recognize they're sick and/or may be ashamed to admit they have a mental illness. Those are difficult, if not impossible to convince to get help. And THEN there are those who won't recognize the mental health system AT ALL.

My friend eventually did get some help, with an antidepressant. Unfortunately she wasn't on it that long, when she died.

I wish YOU the best of luck with your friend. I hope she gets help before she does ruin her life. God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee