my best friend of 14 years, who is now living with me and my parents, has suffered from depression for a couple years now. i have been the only one who she really opens up with and i have been giving her unconditional love and support.

after a year of advice, pep talks and helping her figure out her feelings, she never pulls herself out of the rut she is in. i have given her countless ways to help herself and the means to do so, but she never takes the steps to do so.

she constantly uses her depression as an excuse for her decisions, which generally include using sex to fill the void (no pun intended). i was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and have experienced great spells of depression so i understand how debilitating it can be.

she wants to change and i am giving her all the support i can, however she won’t help herself. it has gotten to a point where i am super discouraged and feel like my support has been a waste of energy. it sounds awful, i know. i love her unconditionally.. it’s just really disheartening to feel like my advice does nothing after putting so much time and effort to get her help.

any advice or similar stories would be so appreciated. thank you so much for reading this far!!