How to get along w/ a depressed roommate?

[spring]

My roommate has been acting depressed for quite a long time now and it is driving me up the wall. I don't know if she is clinically depressed (if so, she has not sought treatment), but she does sit around doing nothing but talking about how 'depressed' she is. Because we are almost the same age I have always invited her when I go out w/ friends or shopping, etc., and now ppl (esp my bf) are asking me to stop bringing her along. Actually, I even find myself going out just to run stupid errands and things just to get away from her for a while.

I would like to be sensitive to whatever is going on with her, and I guess I just don't know what to do. My bf keeps telling me that my roommate is an adult, and that I should quit babying her...so I have more time for him (he thinks he's funny http://community.icompact.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif). But in all seriousness, what would you do?

[spring]

My roommate has been acting depressed for quite a long time now and it is driving me up the wall. I don't know if she is clinically depressed (if so, she has not sought treatment), but she does sit around doing nothing but talking about how 'depressed' she is. Because we are almost the same age I have always invited her when I go out w/ friends or shopping, etc., and now ppl (esp my bf) are asking me to stop bringing her along. Actually, I even find myself going out just to run stupid errands and things just to get away from her for a while.

I would like to be sensitive to whatever is going on with her, and I guess I just don't know what to do. My bf keeps telling me that my roommate is an adult, and that I should quit babying her...so I have more time for him (he thinks he's funny http://community.icompact.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif). But in all seriousness, what would you do?

[Nora]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Unfortunately, a lot of people simply don't want help or don't want to change for some mysterious (to me) reason. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Some depressed people seem like they don't want help, but deep down inside they just hope someone will help them because they don't seem to have the energy to.

[graceful]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by luv2dance:
If she says she's depressed, then maybe you could bring up seeing a doctor and seeking treatment. You could also point out that nothing is going to change unless she does something differently...You want to help her but, in all reality, you can't. She's the only one who can help herself. If she shows an interest in getting help and getting better, then by all means support her. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well said!

[spring]

Thanks for the responses!

Luv2dance - when I read what you wrote, it finally clicked for me that she needs to help herself. thanks http://community.icompact.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[JennRoss]

I think it's all been said. I lived with a roommate who was like that in college for awhile, and found every excuse to get out of the apartment because I just didn't want to be around, even though she was always behind a locked door. She needs to help herself, but give her support if she asks you for it. That is really all you can do.