Hello torodaciero: I don't know as I have any particular suggestions I can offer here. Personally I think all you can do is to continue to be this person's friend & engage her in social activities as much as possible. If this has been going on for 8 years, it has long since gone beyond the point where you can likely have any significant impact, in my opinion.

I don't know where you & your friend live or how mental health services are provided there. But, at least where I live, seeing a psychiatrist might not be the appropriate first step for a person in your friend's situation. Where she might better begin would be with a mental health therapist or psychologist... a mental health professional with whom she can explore in depth what the loss of her mother did to her & how she can resolve her feelings regarding that loss. However, as you realize, your friend has to see that she is struggling, & want to heal, before anything of this sort can occur.

I see this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

PsychCentral is a great place to get information as well as support for mental health issues. There are many knowledgeable & caring members here. The more you post, & reply to other members’ posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are social groups you can join & chat rooms where you’ll be able to connect with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) Lots of great stuff! So please keep posting!