How do you get a friend to open up who is very depressed?

One of my friends is down and she keeps it all bottled up.We know she needs to talk. How can I get her to talk and make her smile?

Re: How do you get a friend to open up who is very depressed?

I was down in the dumps once and keeping to myself - my friends definetly noticed. Then one day in the mail I got a five page list from my friend, she wrote a five page list about all the things she thought were great about me. It made me cry - and it made me call her and pour it all out!

Re: How do you get a friend to open up who is very depressed?

I am a strong believer in waiting until someone is ready. Show your concern, but don't push. Forcing someone to talk can make things awkward. She'll come around. As long as she knows you are there when she is ready, you are showing that you care and it will mean a lot to her.

Re: How do you get a friend to open up who is very depressed?

I would wait until she feels comfortable to talk but at the same time I would try to take her out to cheer her up...maybe lunch, a good movie, a day at the spa, etc.

Re: How do you get a friend to open up who is very depressed?

maybe just send her a sweet card saying 'when you are ready, know that I am here'.